Who picked USC over Michigan on College GameDay? One expert makes stunning pick

Saturday on ESPN's College GameDay, the panel of experts were largely on the side of USC, including Michigan alum Desmond Howard.

All five hosts are exchanging sports views during the ESPN College GameDay show on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, on the Hesburgh Library lawn on the University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend. The show was to highlight the Notre Dame-Ohio State game.
All five hosts are exchanging sports views during the ESPN College GameDay show on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, on the Hesburgh Library lawn on the University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend. The show was to highlight the Notre Dame-Ohio State game. | GREG SWIERCZ / USA TODAY NETWORK

Today, ESPN's College GameDay was in Norman, Oklahoma for tonight's top-15 showdown between Oklahoma and Tennessee. Thus, the crowd was noticeably hostile toward USC given that the Trojans' head coach, Lincoln Riley, left Norman in 2022 for Southern California.

However, when it came to picking USC's game against Michigan, most of the panel was on the Trojan's side. That included Michigan alum and former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard.

"With Colston kinda questionable and the quarterback change," Howard said, "I think there's just too much going on right now in Ann Arbor. I think the Trojans walk away with the victory over Michigan."

Naturally, that pick stunned the other experts on stage as Howard rarely, if ever picks against his alma mater. But he wasn't the only expert on stage that liked the Trojans.

Nick Saban also went with SC. "I think USC, if their defense is good, which it looked that, way, I'm going with with USC," he said.

Similarly, Pat McAfee said that he likes the Trojans to win. "I tell you what, Lincoln Riley is one of the biggest brains in the history of football," he said. "Every town Lincoln Riley goes to, they love him. They appreciate him. They're thankful for the football that he puts on the field and they're 1-0 in the Big Ten after starting today." Of course, his remarks were also designed to agitate the Oklahoma crowd as he showered love on Riley.

However, guest picker Blake Shelton couldn't go against his heart as the Oklahoma native refused to side with Lincoln Riley. "I know you guys all know what you're talking about," he said. "You're sports dudes. But I have to live here in Oklahoma and there's no way in hell I'm picking USC. Put me down for Michigan."

After Lee Corso picked Michigan, Kirk Herbstreit gave his analysis and USC fans will like that he had to say.

"I said preseason, that I really liked the potential of his Michigan team." he said. "But right now, with what's going on with the quarterback, and I think D'Anton Lynn against an inexperienced quarterback and a run-obvious offense for Michigan. And I think Miller Moss is going to play well. First career start on the road, true road game. I'm going with SC as well in Ann Arbor."

USC and Michigan will kick off at 12:30 p.m. Pacific. Here's hoping that the game unfolds the way most of ESPN's experts think it will.

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