Angelique S. Chengelis, Madeline Kenney, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Saturday’s Michigan-USC game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor (3:30 p.m., CBS/97.1 FM, 104.3 FM).
▶ Angelique S. Chengelis: There are plenty of debutants in this matchup. It’s USC’s first Big Ten game as a Big Ten member, and it’s the first start at quarterback for Michigan’s Alex Orji. The latter is obviously more important as the Wolverines look to restart an offense that has been plagued by turnovers in its first three games, forcing a change at the quarterback position. Orji is known for his ability as a running quarterback, and USC will certainly test his arm, which hasn’t been tested much in games. This is an improved Trojans defense under D’Anton Lynn, and it complements a productive offense that averages 336.5 yards passing, ranks seventh nationally, and will test Michigan’s secondary. The Trojans are also coming off a break from play. Selection: USC, 28-17
▶ Madeline Kenney: One of the more intriguing storylines for USC entering this season was whether new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn could fix the Trojans’ weak defense that hurt them last season. After two games, including an upset win over LSU, USC’s defense appears far more competent than it was a year ago, and the Trojans have proven to be a formidable Big Ten opponent. The Trojans had last week off, giving them plenty of time to prepare for Michigan. The defending national champions have not presented themselves like that, with their offense sporadically treading water. Sherrone Moore made a quarterback change, swapping Davis Warren for Alex Orji. That move seemed inevitable given the Wolverines’ offensive woes and the fact that Warren threw just two touchdowns with six interceptions in the first three games. USC will want to make a statement in its first Big Ten game as a member of the conference, and Michigan may not have all of its problems solved yet. Selection: USC, 27-20
▶ John Niyo: It’s only the third week of September, but Michigan already has its second starting quarterback, and USC is coming off a break from playing. That’s not exactly a recipe for an upset, but that’s exactly what it will be if Michigan can defeat its old Rose Bowl nemesis. Miller Moss has plenty of talented playmakers around him in Lincoln Riley’s offense, but Michigan’s defense still has the talent to create game-winning chaos if Wink Martindale lets it. And if the Wolverines can avoid turnovers—that’s a big if, since Alex Orji is making his first career start on Saturday—they might find enough running room to make the game interesting now that the running threat from the quarterback is real and not imagined. But if Colston Loveland isn’t available, well, that’s too many ifs for Michigan, right? Selection: USC, 24-20
▶ Bob Wojnowski: When USC joined the Big Ten, the question was whether the Trojans could handle the conference’s bullies. Well, this is their debut and they look quite capable. Through two games, Miller Moss has completed 72.7% of his passes to a number of talented receivers. The Trojans are coming off a break from play, so they’ve had plenty of time to prepare for Michigan’s dual-threat quarterback Alex Orji. Sherrone Moore had no choice but to bench Davis Warren (six interceptions in three games). If Orji can control the ball, the Wolverines’ running game could be tough with big backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards. UM’s defensive front is strong enough to slow the Trojans down, and tackle Mason Graham is in for a Wrecking Crew-style game. Orji will run for 75 yards but won’t be efficient on third down throws. Selection: USC, 31-26
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