Lincoln Riley on high alert for Michigan matchup despite USC being clear favorites to take down current national champs

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is not having it any easy when his team faces the reigning national champions in Ann Arbor on Saturday for their first Big 10 matchup after entering the conference this season.

The Wolverines had a tough matchup to start the season, as they were dominated by the Texas Longhorns, who won 31-12 at home. The Wolverines, who started as No. 10 on the AP Poll, have slid down to No. 18 entering Week 4.

Despite their underwhelming performance, Riley believes that there's no clear favorite when both teams will take the field.

“They’re like most teams that have had a run of great years and then had, obviously, a tremendous year last year,” Riley said of Michigan on his radio show. “What you’re judged on is so high. Make no mistake about it, this is still a very, very, very good football team. And anybody that thinks they’re not is crazy, alright?

“This is without a doubt one of the best defenses in the country. They have NFL personnel on both sides of the ball, all over the place, a really good coaching staff, crazy experience. I mean, this is a great team that’ll be a big challenge.”

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Lincoln Riley on Michigan's new quarterback and defensive personnel

Coming into the matchup, on Monday, coach Sherrone Moore announced that instead of Davis Warren, who threw three interceptions in the last game, Alex Orji will replace him as the starting quarterback for the Wolverines.

Lincoln Riley finds it a good challenge and said that he has respect for the quarterback.

“Obviously, we know they’re looking at a quarterback change here, defensively (for us),” Riley said.

“So, certainly, gotta be ready for all things there. But we know the player and athlete that Orji is. I actually remember him coming out of high school, so we have a lot of respect for him and their weapons they have around him."

Lincoln Riley added that the Wolverines have elite tight ends and running backs that will make the quarterback transition seamless. He also praised Michigan's secondary and considers them a massive challenge for the game.

“Defensively, it’s pretty obvious," Riley said. "A really good group, tremendous defensive line. They’re really good at all levels.

"They’ve got one of the best corners in the game. It’s what you would expect when you go play the defending national champions. They’ve got a really good team, and it’ll be a big-time challenge.”

The blue-blood matchup has a good possibility to go down the wire. Lincoln Riley's team is better suited to come out on top in the eyes of oddsmakers who have given them a 5.5-point favorite for this matchup.

With a new quarterback at hand for Michigan, offensively, coordination is what will be key for them if they want to take down the Trojans.

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Who do you think will emerge victorious? Share your thoughts in the comments section.