Usc Trojans vs Michigan Wolverines Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

Michigan, USC Set to Meet for First Time Since 1981

Michigan and Southern California are set to face off in a Big Ten matchup on Saturday night in Los Angeles, marking their first meeting in over four decades. With both teams looking to solidify their standings, this game promises to be a competitive clash.

Wolverines Seek to Build Momentum

Michigan (10-3, 2-0 Big Ten) enters the matchup just outside the AP Top 25, having suffered three losses by a combined five points. Their narrow defeats underscore the team’s potential as they aim to extend their strong start in Big Ten play.

The Wolverines boast a lineup filled with key transfers, including Florida Atlantic’s Vladislav Goldin, who leads the team with 13.9 points per game, and Yale’s Danny Wolf, who averages a double-double with 11.8 points and 10.2 rebounds. Ohio State transfer Roddy Gayle Jr. (12.4 ppg) and Auburn’s Tre Donaldson (12.3 ppg) round out a balanced scoring attack.

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Michigan’s last outing was a dominant 112-64 win over Western Kentucky, where six players scored in double figures. Goldin and Nimari Burnett led the charge with 17 points apiece.

Despite their recent success, Michigan coach Dusty May is wary of the unknowns USC might bring to the table.

“USC, they have such a long prep time,” May said. “They come out with junk defenses. They could come out more solid than they’ve ever been. We have no idea. So in a conference battle, you have to be able to adjust on the fly.”

Trojans Riding Winning Streak

USC (9-4, 1-1 Big Ten) hasn’t played since December 22, when they cruised to an 82-51 victory over Southern. The Trojans are on a four-game winning streak, including an impressive 85-61 road win against Washington in their first Big Ten victory. Their last loss came against then-No. 12 Oregon, another Big Ten newcomer.

Desmond Claude leads the Trojans in scoring with 14.5 points per game, followed closely by Chibuzo Agbo (13.1) and Josh Cohen (10.2). USC will continue to miss Terrance Williams II, a Michigan transfer who was averaging 10.6 points before suffering a wrist injury after seven games.

USC guard Wesley Yates III knows the challenge Michigan presents.

“Michigan, it’s not going to be easy,” Yates said. “We just have to continue what we’ve been doing and play even harder. I feel like we’ll have to do everything 10 times harder. I believe in Big Ten play, every game counts and every possession counts.”

Historical Context

This will be just the third meeting between Michigan and USC. The Trojans won their last encounter in Los Angeles in December 1981, while the Wolverines claimed victory in their first meeting in 1947.

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Key Matchup Factors

• Michigan’s Depth: With six players scoring in double figures in their last game, the Wolverines have multiple offensive weapons to exploit.
• USC’s Defense: The Trojans will need to counter Michigan’s balanced attack, especially with the Wolverines excelling in the paint.
• Adjustments on the Fly: With a long layoff, USC’s approach remains unpredictable, adding an element of surprise to the game.

The outcome of this matchup could set the tone for both teams as they navigate the grueling Big Ten schedule.