Michigan Wins Against USC with a Run-Heavy Strategy, Passing Just 32 Yards

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan showcased their formidable ground game once again, demonstrating their power in a nail-biting 27-24 victory over No. 11 USC on Saturday. The Wolverines, defending national champions, began their Big Ten campaign in style, with running back Kalel Mullings stepping up to deliver the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds.

Mullings embodied the team’s gritty character, saying, “That’s a representation of who we are. Just grit and grinding up … grinding meat that whole time.” The Wolverines dominated the rushing game, amassing an impressive 290 yards, including 79 yards on their final drive alone.

On that decisive drive, Mullings took the reins, carrying the ball eight times and making a stunning 63-yard dash that positioned Michigan deep in USC territory. He capped off the drive with a crucial 1-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-goal, bringing the score to seal the Wolverines’ victory with just 37 seconds left on the clock.

“A will to not give in,” exclaimed Michigan coach Sherrone Moore when praising Mullings’ determination. “A will to want it more than them. To want it more than the man who’s trying to tackle him.”

Despite their impressive performance on the ground, the Wolverines managed to pass for only 32 yards, their lowest total since 1987. This figure marks the fewest passing yards in a win over a top-15 opponent since 2014, when Florida accomplished a similar feat against Georgia with even less passing effectiveness.

Moore displayed clear pride in the results, stating, “Love it. You want to throw the ball, but when you can run the ball effectively, you bring [the defense] down.” Mullings finished the game with a career-high of 159 rushing yards and added his first-quarter 53-yard touchdown run, which was a significant moment in the match.

Donovan Edwards also contributed to the ground attack, racking up 74 rushing yards, highlighted by a 41-yard touchdown run. However, a costly fumble from Edwards in the fourth quarter provided USC with a scoring opportunity, and Miller Moss seized the moment. His 24-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Kobi Lane gave the Trojans their first lead of the night, coming with just over seven minutes remaining.

In a tense situation, Michigan turned back to Mullings for crucial plays. Moore made it clear they were placing trust in Mullings and the offensive line, particularly during pivotal moments like fourth-and-goal. “The game’s on the line, whatcha gonna do?” he questioned, pointing to the pressure of the situation.

Mullings followed fullback Max Bredeson, who executed an essential kickout block to pave the way for the winning score. “We knew we were going to get it,” quarterback Alex Orji recalled. “That was just confidence. Do or die, backs against the wall.”

Orji took over the quarterback position for Michigan, having replaced Davis Warren, who struggled with turnovers in earlier games. Orji, who had only attempted seven career passes before this game, recorded a modest 12 passing attempts against USC, completing seven. However, his rushing contribution of 43 yards added a new dynamic to the offense that had previously lacked direction.

Michigan’s rushing attack was particularly notable in the first half, where they gained 199 yards – a figure that marked the highest first-half rushing total USC had allowed since Lincoln Riley took over as head coach in 2022.

USC linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold commented on the struggle to stop the run, sharing, “Schematically, we knew they were going to run the ball, and it was just mano a mano who could win – and they just did.” With inexperienced quarterback play, Coach Moore challenged his Wolverines to step up and exhibit greater physicality against their opponents.

The Wolverines played without their star tight end, Colston Loveland, who was sidelined due to an undisclosed injury. This absence meant relying on the running game even more heavily, and the team’s response delighted Moore. “So proud of what they did and how they played,” he expressed.

Source: ESPN