Breaking down how USC’s offense matches up against Michigan’s defense

USC‘s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last matchup, posting 48 points in a Week 2 win over Utah State. That preceded a bye week and gave the Trojans some extra time to prepare for Michigan, in USC’s first Big Ten matchup as new members of the conference on Saturday.

But defense has been the calling card for the Wolverines in recent history, presenting USC’s offense with their biggest test of the season. And recently at the On3 Roundtable, WeAreSC‘s Scott Schrader broke down how he feels the Trojans’ offense matches up with the defending national champions.

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“USC, that offensive line is gonna have to do some work and make sure that USC can run the ball,” Schrader said. “You certainly don’t want the Michigan defense to just tee off on Miller Moss. I would anticipate they’re probably, at least to start the game, I would imagine Michigan is going to be very aggressive and then see how that works out.”

After struggling to run the ball in Week 1 against LSU, the Trojans rushed for an impressive 249 yards against the Aggies in their last matchup. Which they’ll look to carry over into their game against a Michigan defense with several elite players on the defensive line that have held opponents to just 70 yards rushing per game so far this season.

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“So I do think that they need to be able to run the ball consistently well in this game and offensive line has done a good job in the first couple of games. They have a really good running backs room,” Schrader added. “So it’s going to come down to just going there and executing and not making mistakes and if USC does that on Saturday, I would anticipate them probably not having too difficult a time.”

The passing game is likely the area of least concern for USC fans, with the combination of head coach Lincoln Riley and new quarterback Miller Moss proving to be a good pairing through the first three weeks of the season. Not to mention Michigan’s secondary showing some areas of weakness after allowing 246 yards and three touchdowns through the air to Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers in Week 2.

USC definitely has the offensive advantage on Saturday with Alex Orji making his first career start this weekend for Michigan. But solid play up front on the offensive line and the ability to run the ball will only help the Trojans even more in their Big Ten opener.