Experts predict opening game of the Big Ten

It's a matchup that brings back nostalgic memories of the days of January games between Michigan football and Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl — the “grandfather of them all,” as Keith Jackson has repeatedly put it — but instead the Wolverines and Trojans will meet for the first time as Big Ten opponents at Michigan Stadium (3:30 p.m., CBS).

Will the Wolverines avenge their last meeting with the Trojans, a loss in the 2007 Rose Bowl, or repeat USC's only visit to Ann Arbor – a 20-19 victory by UM in 1958? Five Free Press sportswriters have some thoughts — and some tips.

Exploring the Trojans: Big Ten opener brings major attacks to the Big House

Tony Garcia

It's rare that there's so much unknown going on in Week 4, but that's exactly what happens when there's a major quarterback change. It could go a couple of different directions. Maybe Orji unleashes the running element, it complements the defense perfectly, and Michigan has found a new formula. Or maybe there's a reason Orji wasn't the starter originally and it shows. Or maybe there are just glimpses, but not enough for a full game. Either way, USC just has too much talent and too solid a scheme. The selection: USC 27, AT 16.

Carlos Monarrez

To coach Sherrone Moore's credit, she's eschewing Jim Harbaugh's secrecy tactics and trying to keep his decision to bench interception-prone quarterback Davis Warren under wraps. His determination and vote of confidence in Alex Orji should inspire the speedy quarterback, but it's still a tall order to take the reins against the No. 12 Trojans, who opened in Las Vegas with an impressive win over No. 16 LSU. The selection: USC 28, UM 20.

Rainer Sabin

Sherrone Moore has turned to Alex Orji in hopes that the dual-threat quarterback can revive Michigan's flagging offense. But Orji's running talent might not help the Wolverines keep up with USC's offense, which averages 37.5 points per game. The Trojans also appear to have a solid defense now that D'Anton Lynn is in charge (oh horror!), making the challenge even more difficult for Orji and Co. In what could be Michigan's season-deciding game, the Wolverines have put up a fight. But in the end, USC will be the team standing. The selection: USC 24, AT 13.

Jeff Seidel

As the saying goes, when you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterback. And the Wolverines simply went to Plan B. This USC team has already been tested against LSU and passed. This UM team looks like a flawed four-loss team. Sure, it will be strange and remarkable to see these two schools face off in a Big Ten game. But once the novelty wears off, reality will catch up with the Wolverines. The selection: USC 28, UM 17.

Michael Windsor

Brian Kelly is the coach of LSU, and we can't be sure how much credit USC deserves for its Week 1 win over the Tigers. Still, the Trojans played well in their opening weekend and made short work of Utah State the following week. We suspect USC won't dominate the trenches quite as much as Texas did when the Longhorns came to Michigan Stadium. That gives the Wolverines a chance. Newly named starting quarterback Alex Orji gives them some extra momentum and leads UM to the upset win. The selection: U.S. 23, U.S.C. 20.

Tony Garcia

Carlos Monarrez

Rainer Sabin

Jeff Seidel

Michael Windsor

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