Two 4-1 Big Ten teams square off in a pivotal conference game in Week 7 as the USC Trojans host the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines.
Trojans wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane has returned to health, but the books aren’t pricing his props like that’s the case.
See why I’m bullish on the NFL Draft prospect with my Michigan vs. USC predictions and college football picks for Saturday, October 11.
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Michigan vs USC prediction
Michigan vs USC best bet: Ja’Kobi Lane Over 45.5 Receiving Yards (-114)
The USC Trojans have a vaunted offense, averaging 48.4 points per game. They rank second in both EPA per play and success rate, remaining effective both on the ground (first in rushing success rate) and through the air (fourth).
The Michigan Wolverines do represent the toughest defensive test that the Trojans have faced yet this year, but the offense should still be able to move the ball, given their elite performance so far this season.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava is averaging 11.4 yards per attempt. He has two star receivers to throw to in Makai Lemon (589 yards) and Ja’Kobi Lane (278).
It’s Lemon who has been the go-to target this season, partially due to his supreme talent, and partially due to Lane’s health.
The 6’4” target was averaging 79.7 yards per game before getting injured, and Week 7 should be the healthiest he’s been in some time following the bye week.
He’s considered a top 5 receiving prospect in this year’s NFL Draft by most scouts and analysts, and he plays an integral role for one of the nation’s most potent offenses.
I’m betting on Lane finding room against a beatable Michigan secondary (80th in passing success rate allowed).
Michigan vs USC same-game parlay
Lane has found the end zone 15 times in his career, and he’ll be needed if the Trojans look to exploit a Michigan secondary that allowed 270 passing yards to Oklahoma and 308 to Nebraska in its two toughest tests of the season.
There’s still plenty of room for Lane to exceed his mispriced props while the game still goes Under.
Michigan should find running room against a USC defense ranked 102nd in rushing success rate allowed, but the explosive plays may not be consistently available (USC is eighth in rushing explosiveness).
Michigan vs USC SGP
- Ja’Kobi Lane Over 45.5 receiving yards
- Ja’Kobi Lane anytime touchdown
- Under 56.5
Our deep-ball SGP: No Lane, No Gain!
Michigan running back Jordan Marshall has gone for Over 43.5 rushing yards in three consecutive contests and will be utilized against a USC defense that hasn’t gotten push up front (116th in defensive line yards).
Michigan vs USC SGP
- Ja’Kobi Lane Over 45.5 receiving yards
- Ja’Kobi Lane anytime touchdown
- Jordan Marshall Over 43.5 rushing yards
- Under 56.5
Michigan vs USC odds
- Spread: Michigan +1.5 (-110) | USC -1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Michigan +110 | USC -130
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-110) | Under 50.5 (-110)
Michigan vs USC trend to know
USC is 13-7 ATS as a home favorite in the Lincoln Riley era. Find more college football betting trends for Michigan vs USC.
How to watch Michigan vs USC
| Location | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Saturday, October 11, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
Michigan vs USC latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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