What to watch for: USC

The No. 18 Michigan football team is approaching conference play, but it’s not exactly gearing up to face a familiar opponent. The last time the Wolverines faced No. 11 Southern California was in 2007 in the Rose Bowl, and the last — and only — time the Trojans were in Ann Arbor was in 1958. But now with the Big Ten expanded, the West Coast is meeting the Midwest, and there’s plenty of questions surrounding how both teams will fare.

Michigan is coming off of mediocre nonconference play, in which it sandwiched a crushing loss to then-No. 3 Texas between two uninspiring wins against Fresno State and Arkansas State. The Wolverines’ offense has struggled to find consistency with many new starters, but it finally managed to unlock its running game last week.

USC, on the other hand, has only played two games so far this season, but it’s played a solid slate. The Trojans narrowly defeated then-No. 13 LSU, 27-20, and followed up with a beatdown of Utah State, 48-0, before their bye last week. USC coach Lincoln Riley’s offense looks as strong as in years past, and he bolstered his defensive unit by hiring defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

The start of conference play will look a little different for Michigan this year, but that means there’s plenty to watch for. Here are some of the biggest storylines ahead of the matchup:

Is Alex Orji the answer?

After senior quarterback Davis Warren threw his third interception on Saturday and was subsequently benched, it was clear he had lost the trust of the coaching staff. Junior quarterback Alex Orji entered the game in his place and led the Wolverines down the field for a touchdown on his first drive under center. Following the game, Michigan coach Sherrone Moore emphasized the importance of taking care of the football, noting that Orji did so and Warren did not.

On Monday, Moore made it official, wasting no time in announcing that Orji would be the Wolverines’ starting quarterback against the Trojans.

Orji has rarely been afforded the opportunity to throw the ball thus far. He has three completions on six attempts for a total of 15 yards. Ironically enough, he has two passing touchdowns — the same amount as Warren. His only deep-ball attempt landed ahead of his intended receiver last Saturday, but his arm strength was apparent, even if he lacked accuracy. Starting against the Trojans, Orji will presumably have more opportunities to throw.

“He’s got great arm strength,” Moore said Monday. “The accuracy has improved tremendously and done the things that we think can help us win. So it’s going to take great prep, mentally and physically and spiritually this week, to get him where we need to be. And I think he’ll do that.”

With Orji in the game, Michigan will have options. The Wolverines will make sure senior running back Donovan Edwards and graduate running back Kalel Mullings get plenty of work, and Orji is a massive threat to run the ball himself. If USC stacks the box to stop the run, Orji might just be able to connect with open receivers for some easy completions.

Plenty of eyes will be on Orji as he makes his first start, but make sure to watch for more than what he does on his own. The key will be whether or not he can power Michigan’s offense as a whole and take control of the game.

Can the Wolverines’ secondary contain the Trojans’ playmakers?

In Week 2, Texas exposed Michigan’s secondary. The Longhorns broke off chunk plays, extending drive after drive even when the Wolverines had them on the ropes on third down. Michigan pointed to missed tackles as the main culprit for its struggles and emphasized the need for improved communication.

USC’s offense has the potential to be just as lethal for the Wolverines if their issues in the secondary persist. Trojans quarterback Miller Moss is a strong, accurate passer who excels in their system, where he has plenty of weapons to work with. Riley is known for his elite offensive mind, so Michigan has to be uber prepared.

“I think what (Riley) does really good is get the ball in his playmakers’ hands,” Wolverines defensive backs coach Lamar Morgan said Wednesday. “He can see whatever coverage you’re doing. He knows what he needs to get to. When you change it, he’ll go back to it. He runs repeat plays. I just think they’re doing a really good job of just spreading the ball around.”

USC’s top weapon is wideout Zachariah Branch. He’s an explosive receiver who commands attention all over the field. Tight end Lake McRee is another big receiving threat. He’s the Trojans’ leading receiver with 137 yards on nine receptions.

Michigan will have its hands full containing these two and more as Moss attempts to spread the ball around. Watch for if the Wolverines’ can amend their secondary struggles against another high-flying offense.

Will USC bring the classic Big Ten physicality?

The Big Ten has long been known for its physical brand of football. For the teams coming into the conference like the Trojans, the question is if they can match the physicality — or even if they will bring their own methods of success.

Last week, UCLA was the first of the expansion teams to face an established Big Ten team in Indiana. The Hoosiers thoroughly outplayed and outmuscled the Bruins, introducing them to physical, Big Ten football. USC has the size up front to be physical, so the question is whether it will match up well with Michigan’s front.

“They’re a lot bigger obviously up front,” Moore said. “They put on some size, some mass. They got different guys in there, a bunch of transfers on the O-line, a lot of guys transfers from their defense. They’re a good football team.”

The Wolverines live and die in the trenches. On offense, they’ll need to establish their running game, meaning their offensive line that replaced all five starters will need to work through its growing pains fast. Moore noted that the Trojans’ 6-foot-5 edge rusher Anthony Lucas is a game wrecker, so Michigan will need to contain him and give Orji time to settle in.

On defense, the Wolverines need to be able to pressure Moss and limit his options. Michigan’s defensive line is one of its strongest position groups, but if Moss can make plays over the top, USC could beat the Wolverines through the air regardless of which team plays more aggressively up front — especially if Michigan’s secondary struggles. 

The Trojans’ physicality will be tested in the Big Ten for the first time on Saturday, and the Wolverines will look to be aggressive in the trenches. But if USC puts up a fight and matches or exceeds Michigan’s physicality in the trenches, it could be in for a long game.

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The Wolverines want to start conference play 1-0, and they will have to get through a tough test against USC to do so. With a different starting quarterback, some growing pains still persisting and the unknown of the Big Ten expansion looming, there will be plenty to watch for on Saturday.

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