Michigan football prediction and scouting report vs. USC in Big Ten opener

Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia breaks down Michigan football’s 2024 Big Ten opener and Week 4 matchup vs. No. 12 Southern Cal on Saturday in Ann Arbor:

Fast facts

Matchup: No. 17 Michigan (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. No. 12 USC (2-0, 0-0).

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Saturday; Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor.

TV/radio: CBS; WXYT-FM (97.1), WTKA-AM (1050).

Line: Trojans by 5½.

Michigan edge rusher Josaiah Stewart (0) tackles Fresno State running back Malik Sherrod (2) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Availability report

Michigan: Out: S Rod Moore. Questionable: TE Colston Loveland (upper body). Probable: QB Jack Tuttle.

USC: Questionable: LB Mason Cobb, TE Walter Matthews.

Scouting report

When Michigan has the ball: The Wolverines have opted to make a significant change, benching quarterback Davis Warren in favor of Alex Orji after the senior turned the ball over six times in the team’s first three games. Barring injury, this game will be all Orji, which will change what the U-M attack looks like. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound athletic junior has run 31 times for 181 yards and three TDs in his career and attempted just seven passes (completing four for 20 yards with two touchdowns); although head coach Sherrone Moore insists he can throw, job No. 1 will be avoiding turnovers.

Michigan quarterback Alex Orji (10) hands the ball to Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) during the first half against Fresno State at Michigan Stadium at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

The attack could look different this week, with potential sets featuring multiple running backs, multiple tight ends, H-backs or some combination of all of those. In particular, look for Michigan to establish the run game with Kalel Mullings, who is averaging 7.5 yards per carry, and Donovan Edwards….

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-prediction-scouting-report-130527900.html

Author : Detroit Free Press

Publish date : 2024-09-20 13:05:27

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