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Experts pick Big Ten opener
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Experts pick Big Ten opener

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It’s a game that brings to mind nostalgia the January contests between Michigan football and Southern Cal at the Rose Bowl — the “Granddaddy of ‘Em All,” in the enduring words of Keith Jackson — but instead the Wolverines and Trojans meet for the first time as Big Ten opponents at Michigan Stadium (3:30 p.m., CBS).

Will the Wolverines seek revenge for their most recent meeting with the Trojans, a loss in the 2007 Rose Bowl, or relive the only time USC visited Ann Arbor — a 20-19 win over UM in 1958? Five Free Press sports writers have some thoughts — and some tips.

EXPLORING THE TROJANS: Big Ten opener brings big offensive play to Big House

Tony Garcia

It’s rare to have so many unknowns in Week 4, but that’s what happens when there’s a big quarterback change. It could go a couple of different ways. Maybe Orji unlocks the run element, 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’s showing. Or maybe there are just flashes, but not enough to last a game. Either way, USC just has too much talent and too solid a schedule. The choice: New York University, …

Carlos Monarrez

Give coach Sherrone Moore credit for skipping the Jim Harbaugh clown-and-dagger routine and keeping his decision to bench interception-prone quarterback Davis Warren a secret. His drive and confidence in Alex Orji should inspire the agile QB, but it’s still a lot to ask to take the reins against the No. 12 Trojans, who opened in Las Vegas with an impressive win over No. 16 LSU. The choice: New York University, …

Regent Sabin

Sherrone Moore has turned to Alex Orji, hoping the dual-threat quarterback can help boost Michigan’s flagging offense. But the addition of Orji’s running ability may not be enough to help the Wolverines keep pace with USC’s offense, which is averaging 37.5 points per game. The Trojans also appear to have a solid defense (sigh!) with D’Anton Lynn calling the shots, so that makes the challenge for Orji and Co. that much tougher. In what could be a season-defining game for Michigan, the Wolverines put up a fight. But ultimately, USC will be the team that remains. The choice: New York University, …

Jeff Seidel

What’s the old saying? If you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterback; and the Wolverines simply went to Plan B. This USC squad has already been tested against LSU and passed. This UM squad looks like a flawed team with four losses. Sure, it will be strange and odd to see these two schools play each other in a Big Ten game. But once the novelty wears off, reality will hit the Wolverines. The choice: New York University, …

Shawn Windsor

Brian Kelly is coach of LSU, and we can’t say for sure how much credit USC deserves for beating the Tigers in Week 1. Still, the Trojans looked good on their opening weekend and made quick work of Utah State the following week. We’re betting USC won’t completely dominate the trenches like 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 juice and leads UM to an upset. The choice: New York University, …