We have a quarterback change for the Michigan Wolverines heading into their upcoming game against the USC Trojans. They’ll be starting Alex Orji at home, and college football Week 4 odds favor USC to the tune of -205 on the moneyline and 5.5 points on the spread.
Below, we’ll check out potential scenarios for the game, along with the latest lines at college football betting sites. We also cover a Michigan sportsbook promo below.
USC favored over Michigan ahead of Big Ten matchup
How USC could win and cover the spread
USC had a bye in Week 3 but heads into this game with quarterback Miller Moss, who’s in the +2000 range for Heisman Trophy odds. Moss has completed 48 of 67 passes (71.6%) this season for 600 yards and two touchdowns. He doesn’t have a single turnover and has been excellent on passes of 20-plus yards, completing five of seven for 139 yards and a touchdown.
USC is 2-0 with wins over LSU and Utah State. The defense has allowed 205.5 passing yards (72nd) and 100 rushing yards (34th) per game so far this season.
Here, the Trojans will go up against Orji, who profiles as a rushing threat. If the USC defense can slow him down and force him to throw, it could take away a massive part of the Michigan offense.
How Michigan could cover the spread or win outright
The Wolverines are 2-1 with wins over Fresno State and Arkansas State. However, these games came with Davis Warren as the quarterback. He threw three interceptions against Arkansas State. Orji entered the game and completed two passes on four attempts for 12 yards and a touchdown. He also had three carries for 27 yards.
The Michigan defense is allowing 70 rushing yards (15th) and 234.3 passing yards (90th) per game so far this season. The “x-factor” here, of course, is Orji. He’s been at Michigan since 2022, and over that time, he has had seven career pass attempts and 31 carries with three rushing touchdowns. If Orji is able to get the running game going along with Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards, Michigan could end up in a solid position against USC.
