No. 11 USC Faces No. 18 Michigan: Wolverines Coach Tips on Alex Orji

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan’s Sherrone Moore may have underestimated the impact of his comments earlier this week regarding the starting quarterback for the Wolverines. When asked if junior quarterback Alex Orji would lead the team onto the field against No. 11 Southern California, Moore revealed that Orji would indeed be starting, a move that caught many by surprise.

This decision follows Davis Warren’s struggles after being named the starting quarterback earlier this season. Orji, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 235 pounds, has a limited history, having thrown only seven passes in the past three years while primarily serving as a running option. His career stats include 181 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Warren, who originated from Los Angeles, has attempted 72 passes this season, throwing twice as many interceptions (six) as touchdowns (two) across three starts. He has also faced difficulties in the rushing game, failing to gain yards on eight carries.

While Moore discussed Orji’s promotion honestly, he was less forthcoming about potential changes to the offensive strategy to align with Orji’s skill set, stating, “I’m not going to give you all the keys to the castle.”

Meanwhile, USC head coach Lincoln Riley has been preparing his team to face Orji’s unique running ability. He acknowledged that despite the challenge, the Trojans are ready. “We’re simulating his running ability with other players,” Riley explained, recognizing Orji’s talent as a formidable athlete. He also added, “You don’t play quarterback at this level without being able to throw the ball some.”

Turning to USC’s own quarterback situation, Miller Moss has made a strong impression in replacing Caleb Williams. During the previous game, Moss threw for 378 yards and a touchdown against then-No. 13 LSU and amassed 229 passing yards with another score in just over two quarters against Utah State. Although he was briefly recruited by Michigan, he chose to remain in Southern California.

Moore noted Moss’s qualities, saying, “Accurate, takes care of the football, plays well within the system.” He emphasized that while Moss is not particularly known for running the ball, he possesses good arm strength and benefits from a talented supporting cast.

The Wolverines may find themselves challenged by the Trojans, especially against their vulnerable passing defense, particularly with opponents like speedy receiver Zachariah Branch expected to exploit any weaknesses. In addition to the quarterback position, Michigan is facing uncertainty with the status of Colston Loveland, a preseason All-America tight end, who left last week’s game with an undisclosed injury. His absence would significantly impact the Wolverines, as he recorded a career-high eight catches in the season opener and matched that tally against a tough opponent.

On the defensive side, USC managed to secure their first shutout in 13 years with a dominating 48-0 performance against Utah State, showcasing significant improvements under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. Following a challenging previous season, the Trojans’ defense is looking more robust as they adapt to their new environment in the Big Ten. Riley expressed satisfaction with the defensive line’s development and is eager for them to prove their strength in upcoming games.

Michigan is aiming to maintain its impressive record, having won a school-record 25 consecutive Big Ten games, including three conference championships. The Wolverines have held a spot in the AP Top 25 for an impressive 50 weeks and will need to secure a win against USC to protect their ranking from potential jeopardy.

As Michigan gears up for this high-stakes clash, Moore has singled out USC’s Anthony Lucas, a 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive end, as a crucial player to watch. “He’s a game-wrecker that we’ve got to definitely have our eyes on,” Moore noted, underscoring the importance of countering Lucas’s impact during the game.

With both teams facing pivotal moments in their seasons, the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling contest filled with high stakes and plenty of action.

Source: AP