No. 11 USC will make its Big Ten debut against defending national champion and 18th-ranked Michigan (3:30 pm ET, CBS) Saturday afternoon at the Big House.

The Trojans are coming off a bye after taking care of LSU on Labor Day weekend and shutting out Utah State in their home opener. Both last year’s Holiday Bowl and the first 2 games of this season have shown that quarterback Miller Moss is ready for a marquee matchup. And the oft-maligned Trojans defense looks to be much improved. However, Lincoln Riley’s team will certainly face a difficult test in its Big Ten debut.

While Michigan’s offense has been anything but prolific, the Wolverines were finally able to get their rushing attack to be potent again last week against Arkansas State. Kalel Mullings ran for a career-high 153 yards and 2 touchdowns, and the Wolverines added another score on the ground after entering the game without a rushing touchdown on the year. Coach Sherrone Moore said in the week leading up to the game against the Red Wolves that Michigan needed much more from its rushing attack. Doing so through the air, however, proved once again to be a challenge.

Quarterback Davis Warren threw 3 interceptions before being replaced by Alex Orji, who has not proven to be effective as a passer either but gives the team another way to move the ball because of his legs. He ran 3 times for 27 yards and was 2-of-4 passing for 12 yards with a score against Arkansas State. Orji rushed 26 times for 155 yards last year, and that dual-threat ability is exactly what the reeling Wolverines offense needs.

So what does that mean for USC’s defense, which has seemingly done a complete 180 one season removed from ranking near the bottom of the country in almost every major statistical category?

New defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn and his revamped unit have an opportunity to make an early season statement. Riley knew he had to hit the transfer portal over the offseason to remake the defense, and he was able to land notable players like safeties Kamari Ramsey (UCLA) and Akili Arnold (Oregon State), cornerback Greedy Vance (Florida State), linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (Oregon State) and tackle Gavin Meyer (Wyoming), who leads a much improved interior line. It’s early, but it has led to a transformed unit that is Riley’s best since he arrived in Los Angeles.

Scoring is never an issue for the Trojans under Riley. But fielding an even average defense has been a major problem. That’s why 2024 feels different — and SC has a chance to prove that to its naysayers against the Wolverines.

This unit, though, will be tested by Michigan, even up front. Michigan’s offensive line replaced all 5 starters from last season, and it is a work in progress. But the revamped SC defensive line will still be seeing its toughest chore of the young season in a hostile environment.

With a test, though, comes opportunity. Through 2 contests, it’s evident there has been improvements in physicality, tackling and overall discipline. A year after giving up 71 plays of 20 or more yards, the Trojans have allowed just 4 so far. And after holding LSU to 20 points in the opener, they notched their first shutout since 2011 in the win over Utah State.

Not only is this a big spot for the defense to continue to shine, but it’s a spotlight game for Riley. He is just 1-3 against ranked teams on the road during his time in Los Angeles. A win in Ann Arbor would silence some doubters and add to the swagger the Trojans have rebuilt.

Of course, that means the offense must continue to play like most of Riley’s units. Starting with last year’s Holiday Bowl, Miller Moss has seamlessly picked up where Caleb Williams left off. While the expectations were Michigan’s defense to be stout once again, it has looked mediocre. The pass defense has looked susceptible. Moss, who is completing nearly 73% of his throws, has a chance to exploit a defense that has shown cracks.

Despite the impressive start to the season, there doesn’t seem to be as much buzz around USC as some of the other undefeated teams. When the Trojans beat LSU in the opener, much of the chatter centered around Brian Kelly’s postgame reaction. The last couple of disappointing seasons cooled expectations in LA. With a win in Ann Arbor on Saturday, SC has an opportunity to show the nation it has arrived once again and is back to being a relevant national contender.

The BIG has been all about Michigan and Ohio State in recent years. USC has an opportunity to join that conversation if its strong play continues this week.