Michigan and USC will face off in a top-25 matchup on Saturday. For the first time, a “stripe out” is planned at Michigan Stadium. Fans in even-numbered sections are encouraged to wear blue, while fans in odd-numbered sections should wear maize colors (the entire student section will wear maize colors).

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What you should know

Michigan and USC have met 10 times, including eight in the Rose Bowl. They played a home-and-away series that brought the Trojans to Ann Arbor in 1958. On Saturday, they return as members of the Big Ten. This will be their first conference game as part of the league. It is also the Wolverines' opening game in the Big Ten; they have won the league the last three years.

Alex Orji will be playing for Michigan for the first time. So far, he's a dual-threat quarterback in name only, having attempted just seven passes in his career. Head coach Sherrone Moore brought him in last week after benching Davis Warren, and it will be exciting to see what Orji can do with the opportunity.

USC is in good shape after a 2-0 start that includes a win over LSU. The Trojans, who had a bye last week, have seen strong QB play from Miller Moss and have displayed what appears to be a better defense than last season.

Michigan hasn't lost two games in the regular season since the disastrous 2020 season. To avoid a second loss on Saturday, Michigan will simply have to play much better than it has so far this season.

Game information

• WHO: No. 11 USC Trojans (2-0) at No. 18 Michigan Wolverines (2-1)
• When: Saturday, September 21, 3:40 p.m. ET
• Where: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
• Live updates: mlive.com/wolverines
• Point distribution: USC-4.5

How to watch

TV channels: CBS

Streaming options:

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• Sling TV is currently offering a $20 deal for the first month of subscription and offers streaming coverage of live sports, news and entertainment
• DirecTV Stream offers live sports, news and on-demand TV

In case you missed it

Must-reads before kick-off:

QB Alex Orji changes the Michigan offense. Is the change enough to win?

This is how Michigan and USC stand in recruiting

Some fans fly to Ann Arbor on private planes for Michigan football games

Kalel Mullings’ physical running style is reminiscent of the former Michigan RB

USC coach ready for Michigan's new QB, “NFL players everywhere”

Donovan Edwards' conclusion after three games: “This is not the Michigan team from last year”

Podcast before the game:

Big Ten Schedule (with Predictions)

Friday:

Illinois in Nebraska

Saturday:

Charlotte, Indiana, 12:00 p.m. ET (BTN)

Marshall at Ohio State, 12:00 p.m. (FOX)

Villanova in Maryland, 12:00 p.m. (BTN)

USC vs. Michigan, 3:30 p.m. (CBS)

Kent State vs. Penn State, 3:30 p.m. (BTN)

UCLA at LSU, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)

Rutgers at Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m. (ACC Network)

Northwestern at Washington, 7 (FS1)

Iowa vs. Minnesota, 7:30 a.m. (NBC)

Michigan State at Boston College, 8 (ACC Network)

Purdue at Oregon State, 8:30 a.m. (The CW)

• BETS: Read our guide to best sports betting sites in Michiganwhere our team of sports betting experts reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for several sportsbooks. The Wolverines opened as 6.5 points behind to USC. Saturday's Big Ten duel marks the first time since 2021 that Michigan has been an underdog in two regular-season games.