On the eve of Michigan’s first meeting with USC since the mid-2000s, the Wolverines are at a turning point for the 2024 season. Michigan already has one loss in the record books and probably can’t afford to suffer a second one just four games into the year. After three games, changes had to be made, and that’s exactly what Sherrone Moore did, benching Davis Warren in favor of Alex Orji.

Orji brings a very different skill set to the quarterback position than Davis Warren. Warren wasn’t exactly a statue in the backfield, but he certainly wouldn’t have been called a dual-threat quarterback. Offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell has rarely, if ever, called a scheduled quarterback run for Warren. With Orji at the helm, the Michigan offense will likely look extremely run-heavy.

Alex Orji is an excellent runner with the size and stature to knock people off their feet. However, his passing has been questioned. Had he been a capable passer in fall camp, he would have had to take the starting spot away from Warren. The fact that he didn’t is a concern.

So what should Kirk Campbell do in terms of offensive play?

My first thought is to focus on what Orji does well: run the ball. With Orji and either Donovan Edwards or Kalel Mullings in the backfield (or both), there is a lethal amount of speed and power at their disposal. RPOs, zone reads, and the rest of the kitchen sink can be thrown at the USC defense. The Trojans will likely fill the box. However, if they constantly have to consider the quarterback as a runner, they will be missing an additional defender.

Michigan has the luxury of being able to draw extra defenders to the line of scrimmage by running. Once USC is confident that Michigan won’t throw the ball too far, it will have the opportunity to try a long throw. Whether Orji can make long throws is still up in the air, but he will likely have to try at least a couple of times tomorrow to give Michigan a chance to win.

What do you think Michigan’s offense will look like tomorrow? Will USC be able to stop the run even with Alex Orji in the game? Will there even be a pass offense?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.