Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) scrambles with the ball during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill., Sept. 27.

The No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) and USC Trojans (4-1, 2-1) square off in a Big Ten showdown Saturday evening. Kickoff from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NCAA football odds around the Michigan vs. USC odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Wolverines beat the Wisconsin Badgers 24-10 Saturday, closing as a 17.5-point home favorite. The Under 43 hit. RB Justice Haynes led the way with 117 yards and 2 scores on 19 carries. Michigan has rattled off 3 straight wins yet is just 2-3 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

The Trojans, who did get votes to crack the top 25, lost to the Illinois Fighting Illini 34-32 Sept. 27 in Week 5 action, failing to cover as a 6.5-point favorite. The Over 61.5 cashed. They had a Week 6 bye. USC's offense has been among the nation's most dynamic, scoring at least 32 points in all 5 games. Despite that, it is just 2-3 ATS on the year. QB Jayden Maiava is off to an electric start, completing 70.5% of his passes for 1,587 yards, 11 TDs and 1 INT.

The Wolverines beat the Trojans 27-24 and covered as a 4-point home underdog Sept. 21, 2024, the last meeting between the programs. The Over 44 hit in that battle.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Michigan at USC odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Michigan +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | USC -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Michigan +2.5 (-105) | USC -2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Michigan at USC picks and predictions

Prediction

USC 31, Michigan 27

Moneyline

PASS.

Avoid this play.

USC is rested and at home. It is worth wagering to cover instead of the more expensive moneyline option. The top-20 Wolverines should be a heavy public favorite and aren't worth taking here.

Against the spread

BET USC -2.5 (-115).

The Trojans are coming off a bye and have performed well at home this season, winning all 3 games by at least 14 points. They are 2-1 ATS with that lone non-cover victory being a 14-point win over the Michigan State Spartans. USC also ranks 29th in opponents' yards per rush attempt (3.5), and that is what Michigan's offense does best.

The Wolverines have been an underdog once this season, on the road against the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners. They lost that Week 2 battle by 11. With true freshman QB Bryce Underwood having just a 59.2% completion rate, the Wolverines may struggle to keep pace.

Take USC -2.5 (-115).

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Over/Under

BET OVER 56.5 (-110).

The Trojans are going to force this game to be played at a high pace. They have scored at least 32 points in all 3 Big Ten games and are 2-1 O/U in those battles.

For Michigan, they are 3-2 O/U on the year and have scored at least 30 points in 3 of 5 games this season. It will be facing a soft USC defense that has allowed 32.5 points per game over its couple of contests.

Back OVER 56.5 (-110).

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Michigan Wolverines at USC Trojans odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Nathan Beighle, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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