Top Player Prop Bets for Michigan vs USC Big Ten Showdown

• Michigan vs USC player props are available for Saturday’s CFB game
• I’m targeting Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch in the props market
• Read below for Michigan vs USC player props for Saturday’s game

Saturday’s college football slate features an appetizing Big 10 matchup between Michigan and USC. There are plenty of Michigan vs USC player props available as oddsmakers load up for this marquee CFB game.

We’ve identified our favorite Michigan vs USC player props for the main slate, including a focus on the Trojans’ dynamic wide receiver Zachariah Branch. Further below in the touchdown props market, I’m targeting a USC tight end to find paydirt.

Here is a look at the available Michigan vs USC player props, in addition to my favorite picks.

Michigan vs USC Player Props

In the Michigan vs USC player props markets, Miller Moss has the highest passing yards total at 260.5. USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch, meanwhile, has the highest receiving yard total on the board at 39.5.

Make sure you check out our USC vs Michigan Prediction for a pick on which team will cover the spread.

Odds as of Sept. 21 at Bet 365 Sportsbook. Claim a Bet365 bonus code to wager on USC vs Michigan props.

Prop Picks #1: Zachariah Branch Receiving Yards

The first bet I’m targeting in the Michigan vs USC player props is the receiving yards total for USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch. The sophomore playmaker is primed for a breakout performance against a Wolverines defense that has been shredded through the air so far in 2024.

The Wolverines rank a brutal 90th in pass defense (234 ypg) nationally and are proving very prone to explosive plays. Michigan was torched for 246 yards and three touchdowns by Texas in a 31-12 loss, unable to generate any pass rush. USC QB Miller Moss should feast if the O-line can protect him.

Branch has been relatively quiet this season with eight catches for 75 yards through two games. However, he’s due for a breakout game, and I think it comes Saturday. Branch is Moss’ top target, and I think the two will connect often against an inexperienced UM secondary.

New Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s blitz-heavy approach could actually play right into Branch’s hands. If the Wolverines bring extra pressure and Moss can get him the ball quickly, Branch has the speed and elusiveness to turn a short pass into a huge gain.

• Pick: Zachariah Branch Over 39.5 Receiving Yards (-115)

Props Picks #2: Alex Orji Rushing Yards

On the Michigan side of things, I’m targeting their new starting quarterback, Alex Orji, in the CFB player props market. The Wolverines are giving the dual-threat pivot his first start after Davis Warren underwhelmed in the opening three games.

The Wolverines are expected to adopt a run-first mindset with Orji under center, as he hasn’t proven himself as a capable passer yet. In fact, Orji has only attempted seven passes in his career, completing four of them for a mere 20 yards.

Alex Orji is Michigan QB1️⃣.#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/sRhuLZpQ5A

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 16, 2024

Orji should have ample opportunities to showcase his rushing abilities, with Michigan likely to implement a run-heavy game plan. The Wolverines will aim to keep USC’s offense, led by quarterback Miller Moss, off the field by controlling the clock and grinding out yards on the ground.

While USC’s defense has been stingy against the run, allowing just 3.1 yards per carry, Orji’s dual-threat capabilities could help him find success on the ground here. He’s got the mobility and elusiveness to evade defenders and pick up crucial yardage, even against a tough Trojans defensive front.

Michigan’s rushing attack looked much improved last week against Arkansas State, totaling 309 yards on the ground. If the offensive line can continue to open up running lanes, Orji should have no trouble surpassing this prop on several designed run plays.

• Pick: Alex Orji Over 46.5 Rushing Yards (-115)

Michigan vs USC Touchdown Scorer Props

In the Michigan vs USC scoring props market, Woody Marks has the best odds to find paydirt at -125 (55.6% implied probability). We don’t hate that play, but we’ve got a plus-money TD prop at better value.

Odds as of September 21, 2024, at Bet365 Sportsbook.

Anytime TD Picks: Lake McRee

There are plenty of anytime touchdown props available for USC vs Michigan, and I’ve got my eyes on Trojans tight end Lake McRee. The redshirt junior has logged at least five targets in each game so far, and I like the value on him getting his first TD Saturday.

At 6’4″ and 245 pounds, McRee’s size and athleticism make him a mismatch for defenders in the red zone. His large frame allows him to create separation and secure catches in tight spaces, increasing his chances of scoring when USC is close to the goal line.

With Michigan focusing on containing USC’s explosive playmakers, McRee could find himself open for a touchdown reception. I’m looking at that Texas game where Quinn Ewers connected with his tight end Gunnar Helm seven times for 98 yards and a score.

McRee is developing a strong connection with quarterback Miller Moss, and the young pivot clearly trusts him in pivotal moments. I’m predicting that Moss connects with McRee in the endzone for a pivotal TD to help secure the victory. Moreover, USC should utilize the TE’s size to their advantage throughout the game.

• Pick: Lake McRee Anytime TD (+225 )

As the Michigan Wolverines prepare to take on the USC Trojans in a highly anticipated Big Ten showdown, sports bettors are eagerly looking for the top player prop bets to place their wagers on. Player prop bets offer a unique opportunity for bettors to focus on individual player performances rather than just the outcome of the game.

One of the top player prop bets to consider for this matchup is the over/under on total passing yards for Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara. McNamara has been a key player for the Wolverines this season, and his ability to move the ball through the air will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Bettors can wager on whether McNamara will surpass a certain number of passing yards or fall short of that mark.

Another player prop bet to keep an eye on is the over/under on total rushing yards for USC running back Keaontay Ingram. Ingram has been a dynamic playmaker for the Trojans this season, and his ability to gain yards on the ground will be essential in keeping the Michigan defense on its toes. Bettors can place their wagers on whether Ingram will exceed a certain number of rushing yards or fail to reach that threshold.

In addition to individual player performance bets, bettors may also want to consider prop bets related to specific game situations, such as the first team to score a touchdown or the total number of turnovers in the game. These types of prop bets can add an extra layer of excitement to the betting experience and provide opportunities for bettors to capitalize on their knowledge of the teams and players involved.

Overall, the Michigan vs USC Big Ten showdown promises to be a thrilling matchup with plenty of opportunities for bettors to get in on the action. By considering top player prop bets and other game-related prop bets, sports bettors can enhance their betting experience and potentially walk away with a nice payout.