The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines came away with an upset over the No. 11 USC Trojans in Ann Arbor, 27-24.
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It was a back-and-forth affair that lacked zero action throughout the 60-minute contest. The Trojans struggled mightily in the first half as the Wolverines stuffed their run game. However, USC figured it out in the second half and looked to be in control of the game, especially on the defensive end.
The Wolverines played a fantastic first half, but they were slowed down mainly by the USC defense in the last 30 minutes of the game. Still, thanks to their run game, they did enough to stay in the game.
Michigan ran all over the Trojans, recording 290 rushing yards. Michigan was the tougher team, and while that was an indicator of their win, they still came out on top, throwing for only 32 yards throughout the entire game.
Michigan running back Kalel Mullings scored the game-winning touchdown run on fourth down with 37 seconds left in the game. After the game, he said the team’s rushing attack represents who they are.
“That’s just a representation of who we are,” Mullings said. “Shout out to the offensive line.”
“Teams are going to stack the box and stop the run, and we still have to run the ball,” Mullings said. “It feels great to be able to do that and dominate.”
Mullings had a career-high 159 yards rushing, including a 53-yard scoring run to put the Wolverines ahead early.
Kalel Mullings #20 of the Michigan Wolverines runs with the ball away from defenders for a touchdown during the first half of a college football game against the USC Trojans at Michigan Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines come away with an upset victory over USC with this absurd stat line.
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
Although USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn held up well in the second half, a key interception by USC quarterback MIller Moss, which turned into six points, was the difference in the game.
Nonetheless, Mullings and the Wolverines took advantage of it and sent their fans away with a big smile. Mullings rushed for a career-high 159 yards. Fellow running back Donovan Edwards rushed for 74 yards in 14 carries, and quarterback Alex Orji rushed for 43 yards on 13 carries.
It was clear that Michigan wanted to establish the run, especially with Orji behind center. He brought a new dynamic to the team, and it didn’t come through the air. He only attempted 12 passes and completed seven of them with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions.
It was a long and challenging day for USC against the run, and they received a rude awakening in their first-ever Big Ten game in the conference.
Michigan will look to carry that momentum in Week 5 against Minnesota, and USC will look to get back to its winning ways against Wisconsin at home.
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