USC vs. Michigan Same Game Parlay Picks, Odds & Predictions

Tennessee vs. Oklahoma Same Game Parlay Picks, Odds & Predictions

September 20, 2024

Published by Mike Rose on September 20, 2024

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With the morning slate offering little intrigue, Week 4 college football betting action gets a jolt early in the afternoon when Lincoln Riley and the No. 11 USC Trojans visit the “Big House” to battle the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in their first-ever meeting as Big 10 members. USC comes into this game well-rested after a bye week, starting the season 2-0 SU and ATS, including an impressive win over LSU and a 48-0 demolition of Utah State. Michigan, meanwhile, will look to rebound after a tough 31-12 home loss to Texas in its only real litmus test so far this season. Another defeat at home would mark the first time since 2014 that the Wolverines have lost two, or possibly even more, games in front of their home crowd in the same season, adding extra pressure for “Big Blue” to get back into the College Football Playoff discussion.

The Maize and Blue have grossly failed to live up to the preseason expectations put forth by linemakers with it initially lined whopping 10.5-point favorites to win this game on the “Game of the Year” NCAAF odds posted at Caesars Sportsbook over the summer. Sunday’s rerelease hit the board with the Trojans installed 6.5-point road chalk. Though action reports find USC taking in a high majority of the bets (73%) and 53 percent of the money, it’s Michigan the betting line has moved in favor of with the Wolverines currently listed as 5.5-point home dogs—looks like some respected money expects the home dog to bark! The Over/Under hit the board 45.5 and has since been bet down to 44 with the under hogging nearly 90 percent of the tickets and handle.

Reduced juice betting is one of the best ways for any sports bettor to save money and far too many people don’t take advantage of it. If you are not playing at a sportsbook that offers reduced juice betting then you are simply giving away money.

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USC Trojans vs. Michigan Wolverines CFB Same Game Parlay:

Through just two played games, I’m already accepting defeat for hitting the under of USC’s 7.5-game season win total. As poorly the defense played a season ago paired with a new shot caller under center and hellacious schedule, I figured it would take time for the Trojans to find their bearings. As eye-opening a start Miller Moss and the offense has gotten out to, it’s the defense that’s impressed me the most with it looking like a completely different unit than the one that took the field just a short season ago—hat tip to D’Anton Lynn for that! The Trojans might not be forcing turnovers (#72) or accruing sacks (#74), but they’re stymying opposing ground games (#32) and coming up big on third down (#30).

The insertion of Alex Orji under center makes Michigan even more one-dimensional than it already was under Davis Warren in my opinion. Not known for his passing ability, Orji will aim to ignite Michigan’s lackluster offense using his dual-threat capability. But with USC’s defense excelling against the run (#32), it’s doubtful Orji will provide the answer, at least this week. Eventually, Michigan will need to throw the ball consistently once they fall behind a few scores, and that’s where trouble is likely to arise. The Trojans are the side playing with all the juice right now, and they possess by far the better of the two quarterbacks with Moss currently a 20-1 longshot at Caesars to win the Heisman Trophy. I expect that offering to shorten up once the clock reads double zeroes in this one!

Seven of the Trojan’s nine overall touchdowns have come on the ground. Michigan has been a stonewall against the run (#14) in allowing 70 yards per game and only 2.7 yards per carry (#19). It has however been susceptible through the air with it serving up north of 234 yards per game (#89) and six overall passing touchdowns. Look for the Trojans’ pass catchers to undergo a heavy dose of positive regression in this one, and for its two standouts, Zachariah Branch and Lake Mcree, to experience the thrill of scoring a tuddy in the Big House. Much like Texas did before it, look for USC to go about its business and play keep away, forcing Michigan to play catch-up until the final gun. The over is likely to hit as the Wolverines scramble to stay in the game.