No. 11 USC, No. 18 Michigan set for ‘iconic’ Big Ten opener

For the first time since 1958, No. 11 Southern California will visit Ann Arbor, Mich., to take on No. 18 Michigan for the Trojans’ first-ever Big Ten Conference game.USC (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) last visited Michigan Stadium on Sept. 27, 1958, for a 20-19 Wolverines win. The two programs faced off in seven Rose Bowl Games in the years since, last meeting in the 2007 edition.”Two of the most iconic brands (in college football playing) … it’s cool, man,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said at his post-practice media availability on Tuesday.The Trojans aim to make a statement about their place in the new-look Big Ten by knocking off the conference’s three-time defending champion and the reigning national champion in Michigan (2-1, 0-0).USC heads into traditional Big Ten territory for the first time coming off a bye week. The Trojans won their first two games in nonconference play, but needed a decisive touchdown in the closing seconds of their 27-20 Week 1 win over LSU in Las Vegas.No such heroics were needed in Week 2, as USC pounded Utah State, 48-0. Trojans running backs combined for five rushing touchdowns against the Aggies, led by Quinten Joyner’s two.Woody Marks reached the end zone twice against LSU, including on the game-winner.The bye week provided USC with an opportunity to heal up, most notably linebacker Mason Cobb and cornerback Jaylin Smith. Both returned to practice on Tuesday and should play key roles as the Trojans look to extend Michigan’s initial offensive woes.The Wolverines endured a rocky nonconference slate. After losing a 31-12 rout at home in Week 2 to Texas, they were sluggish offensively for stretches last week in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State, prompting a quarterback change.Alex Orji will make his first career start after closing out the Week 3 victory. Stepping in for Davis Warren, Orji passed for a touchdown and carried for 27 yards.

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