Sherrone Moore Announces Michigan QB Change For USC Game

After three troublesome weeks of quarterback play for the No. 18-ranked Michigan Wolverines, head coach Sherrone Moore announced Monday that quarterback Alex Orji will start in their Week 4 clash with the No. 11-ranked USC Trojans on Sept. 21.

Orji, a redshirt sophomore who many presumed would get the starting role to start the season for the Wolverines, has split playing time with redshirt junior Davis Warren so far this season. However, after Warren displayed a poor performance in the Wolverines' 28-18 victory over the Arkansas State Red Wolves, a decision to start Orji for Week 4 was made a bit easier.

While the Wolverines were able to find success through the run game on Saturday, thanks to two touchdowns from running back Kalel Mullings and another from Donovan Ewards, the passing attack was not as crisp.

Warren went 11-of-14 on completions for 122 yards but threw three interceptions that ruined offensive drives throughout the game. On the season, Warren has thrown for 48-of-72 completions for 444 total yards and two touchdowns but also has six interceptions.

Orji, on the other hand, has thrown two touchdowns of 3-of-6 passing attempts for a total of 15 yards. Orji's biggest strengths are his agility and threat on the ground, but he has yet to display any threat through the air so far this season.

So far, Orji has mainly been involved in designed quarterback runs and short-yardage pass plays where he can quickly throw the ball to a receiver or running back. For the Wolverines, the program hopes he can display confidence in the passing game as the defensively improved USC Trojans come to Ann Arbor, Michigan, this weekend.

The Week 4 contest between the Wolverines and Trojans will take place on Sept. 21 from Michigan Stadium with a 3:30 p.m. ET start. The game will be broadcast on CBS.

Odds for the game opened with USC favored by 6.5 points but has since dropped to 5.5 as of Sept. 16. The over/under remained the same as originally posted at 46.5, according to ESPNBet.

Related: Bowl Projections, College Football Playoff Predictions: Week 4