ANN ARBOR – For likely the last time until Michigan’s regular-season finale against No. 1 Ohio State, the Wolverines are a slight betting underdog in Saturday’s game at USC.

Michigan players and coaches often revert to clichés when discussing the magnitude of games this early in the season. That was the case again this week, with several saying the team’s next game is always the “biggest game.”

But the sentiment carries more weight this week. The Trojans (4-1, 2-1 Big Ten) aren’t ranked but received votes in the latest Associated Press poll.

They own the Big Ten’s top-ranked offense (48.4 points and 565 yards per game), and their only loss came on a last-second field goal against Illinois on Sept. 27.

“I think every game is big,” Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford said Wednesday.

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