USC vs. Michigan College Football Week 4 Picks: Back the Trojans on Saturday

USC Has Been Unstoppable

Quinten Joyner powered USC’s ground game with 84 yards and two touchdowns, while the Trojans’ defense delivered their first shutout since 2011, dismantling Utah State 48-0 on Saturday night.

Miller Moss, making his first home start, threw for 229 yards and a touchdown before exiting midway through the third quarter. USC controlled the game from start to finish, building on their season-opening 27-20 win over LSU by showcasing a completely revamped defense from last year’s dismal unit.

After limiting LSU to 20 points on September 1 in Las Vegas, defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s squad held the Aggies to just 190 total yards—40 of which came on a final drive against USC’s backups, ending in a missed 52-yard field goal with just over a minute remaining.

Aside from a few short-yardage execution errors and a costly fumble by Lake McRee deep in Utah State territory, USC looked sharp in nearly every phase of the game.

Michigan’s Issues Under Center

Meanwhile, Michigan improved to 2-1 with a 28-18 victory over Arkansas State on Saturday, but significant concerns remain at quarterback. Davis Warren struggled again, tossing three interceptions, bringing his season total to six. The quarterback situation was already a point of concern, and Warren’s inconsistency has only compounded it.

Michigan’s offense racked up 435 total yards, their highest output of the season, and showed flashes of progress. However, Warren’s decision-making was once again a problem, with two of his interceptions coming on ill-advised throws where he either panicked or forced the ball into coverage.

Despite Warren’s struggles, Michigan’s defense stepped up, especially when Arkansas State was gifted short fields, but the Wolverines can’t afford more mistakes at quarterback moving forward. Against tougher competition, ball security will be paramount.

Alex Orji briefly replaced Warren in the fourth quarter, leading a promising drive, but he doesn’t appear to be the long-term answer at quarterback. Veteran Jack Tuttle, who is in his sixth year, has been sidelined with an elbow injury and didn’t warm up before the game. If Tuttle can return, he could offer some stability, though Michigan’s offensive issues run deeper than just quarterback play.

The Pick

Just a few weeks ago, USC’s September 21 trip to Michigan was viewed as a potential trap game. Now, the stakes have changed. A loss to a struggling Michigan team could be disastrous for the Trojans’ Big Ten title hopes, making the upcoming matchup a must-win.

Michigan has shown in Week 3 that they’re not a good team, and USC can’t afford to drop this one. I like USC to win and cover.

College Football Pick: USC -5 (-110) at Bookmaker

USC -5 (-110)

Visit Site

*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.