USC vs Michigan (Week 4): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

In Week 4 of college football, two powerhouse programs face off for the first time ever in Ann Arbor, as the USC Trojans travel to Michigan Stadium to take on the Michigan Wolverines. This matchup, featuring two iconic brands, is set to take place as part of the Big Noon Kickoff on Fox. While USC is riding high as a 6-point favorite, Michigan is desperate to turn things around after a tough start to their season. Here’s everything you need to know, from TV information and betting odds to a deep dive into what each team brings to the table.

TV Channel & Kickoff Time for USC vs Michigan

The USC vs Michigan game is scheduled to kick off at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday and will be broadcast live on Fox. This Big Noon Kickoff game promises a packed stadium and a national audience as these two college football powerhouses clash for the first time.

For those asking, “What channel is USC vs Michigan on?” or “When is the USC vs Michigan kickoff time?”, make sure to tune into Fox at noon Eastern for all the action from the Big House.

Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline Explained

Here’s a breakdown of the betting lines for this Week 4 showdown between USC and Michigan:

• Spread: USC is a 6-point favorite on the road. This means USC must win by 7 points or more for bettors to win their wager on USC. If Michigan can lose by fewer than 6 points or win outright, bets on Michigan will cash.
• Total (Over/Under): The total is set at 47 points. Bettors can wager on whether the combined score of both teams will exceed 47 points (the “over”) or stay under that number. With USC’s explosive offense and Michigan’s recent offensive struggles, this total reflects expectations for a competitive but potentially low-scoring game.
• Moneyline: The moneyline for this game has USC at -200, meaning a $200 bet would return $100 if USC wins outright. Michigan’s moneyline is +200, so a $100 bet on Michigan would return $200 if they pull off the upset.

Implied Score Prediction

Based on the current odds, the implied score for this game is USC 26, Michigan 20. This suggests a relatively close game, with USC favored to come out on top.

Injury Report for USC vs Michigan

USC comes into this game off a bye week, which has given them extra time to rest and prepare. They’ll have all their key players available, including standout quarterback Miller Moss, who has led a high-powered offense this season.

Michigan has struggled mightily on offense, prompting head coach Jim Harbaugh to make a quarterback change. The Wolverines will now start Alex Orji, who replaces David Warren after a dismal start to the season. Orji’s mobility is a key reason for the switch, and Michigan hopes his ability to extend plays can jump-start their offense. However, questions remain about his ability to lead Michigan to victory against a top-tier opponent like USC.

Game Analysis: Offense vs Defense

This game offers a stark contrast in offensive styles. USC has looked dominant on offense, ranking 5th in the nation in success rate. Miller Moss has been efficient and productive, spreading the ball to a talented receiving corps while benefiting from solid pass protection. USC’s ability to score quickly and often has made them a nightmare for opposing defenses. While Michigan’s defense is generally strong, ranking 12th in early-down EPA, they have shown vulnerabilities in coverage, allowing explosive plays in key situations.

Michigan’s offense, however, has been an area of concern. They rank 121st in the country in touchdowns per game and have been unable to find consistency in the passing game. Their new quarterback, Alex Orji, is expected to bring a more dynamic element with his legs, but his passing abilities are still unproven. The Wolverines’ game plan will likely revolve around running the football and controlling the clock, but USC’s improved tackling and defense may make that strategy difficult.

Defensively, USC has improved significantly compared to last season. After finishing 75th in tackling grade in 2022, they’ve jumped to 43rd this year, which could pose a problem for Michigan’s run-heavy approach. Michigan’s defense, while typically reliable, will be tested by USC’s high-octane offense, particularly in the passing game.

Betting Prediction for USC vs Michigan

This game presents an interesting challenge for bettors, especially with Michigan’s offense in flux. While the line opened at 7 points, it has since moved down to 6, showing some faith in Michigan despite their struggles. However, with USC coming off a bye and looking like a well-rounded team on both sides of the ball, the Trojans are in a good position to cover the spread.

Michigan’s inability to score consistently and their decision to switch quarterbacks just before this game don’t inspire much confidence. USC’s offensive firepower, combined with their improving defense, gives them the edge in this matchup.

Prediction: USC 28, Michigan 17

Final Thoughts and How to Watch

This high-profile clash between USC and Michigan should be a fascinating watch, especially with both teams trending in opposite directions. With USC aiming to continue their dominant season and Michigan fighting to stay relevant in the Big Ten race, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Be sure to tune in to Fox at 12:00 p.m. Eastern for what should be a thrilling game.

---

Quick Recap:

• Game: USC vs Michigan
• Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: Fox
• Betting Odds: USC -6, Over/Under 47
• Moneyline: USC -200, Michigan +200
• Prediction: USC 28, Michigan 17

Make sure to subscribe to the Winning Cures Everything podcast: www.winningcureseverything.com/listen
Subscribe to Winning Cures Everything on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WinningCuresEverything
Check out the BetUS College Football Show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FootballPicksandPredictions
For bonus content, stats, picks & more, become a member at BettingCFB: www.BettingCFB.com
Check the latest College Football Odds: www.winningcureseverything.com/odds

Blog generated by AI