It was a nerve-wracking game on Saturday afternoon at Michigan Stadium, but the Michigan Wolverines (No. 18) prevailed over the USC Trojans (No. 11) 27-24.
Here are the key takeaways from the game.
A dominant first half provided optimism
Michigan outscored USC 14-3 in the first half, won the time of possession battle by nearly seven minutes and had 220 total yards compared to 118 for USC. Michigan had big touchdown runs by Kalel Mullings (53 yards) and Donovan Edwards (43 yards) and held USC to -16 rushing yards. Michigan seemed to win in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but for much of the second half, it went the other way.
A sloppy second half brings USC back into the game
The second half was often ugly. Michigan’s defense allowed three passing touchdowns in the second half, all of which went to completely open targets. Michigan also had two turnovers that led to 14 points for USC. One was a fumble by running back Donovan Edwards, the other was a turnover by defensive tackle Kenneth Grant after he recovered a Miller Moss fumble in a crazy sequence. Michigan trailed 24-20 late in the second half before making an epic offensive drive that decided the game. A win is a win, and there’s a reason it’s a four-quarter game — Michigan deserves credit for finishing strong on offense and tying the game on defense with less than a minute left in the game. There was plenty of meat left on the bone in the second half, though, and there are a whole host of areas for improvement that the coaches will find as they evaluate the footage.
A fast-paced game to be reckoned with
Michigan ran an incredible 290 yards.
- Kalel Mullings ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns on 17 runs
- Donovan Edwards ran 74 yards on 14 attempts with one touchdown and one lost fumble
- Alex Orji ran for 43 yards on 13 attempts.
Kudos to Michigan’s backs and offensive line for their hard work and fighting spirit. Kalel Mullings has developed into a true RB1 and deserves to be the most used player week in and week out. Mullings is fast, can break tackles at a high level and is also a solid pass protector. Mullings carried the team on his shoulders on the final drive of the game, including a 63-yard run that restored confidence to the offense. Mullings scored a one-yard gain and turned an agonizing loss into an exciting victory.
The passing game needs to get going
Michigan deserves a ton of credit for beating USC, but a win by just 32 passing yards, Michigan’s lowest total in a game since 1987, isn’t sustainable week in and week out. The game plan will need to evolve in the weeks to come based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Alex Orji did well with his few attempts, going 7-of-12 for 32 yards, but Michigan will need to give Orji a chance to step up every now and then if they want to make the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
Will Johnson cements his status as a Michigan legend
Will Johnson threw his second interception touchdown this season and now holds the program record with three pick-sixes in his career. Johnson had almost impossible expectations when he entered the game as a five-star prospect wearing jersey No. 2, the same number as Michigan legend and Heisman winner Charles Woodson. Johnson has not only lived up to expectations, but has become the best cornerback at Michigan since Woodson and is bound to be a great NFL player.
There is much to improve and much hope
It was an ugly and tough win, but a win that drastically changed the course of the season for Michigan. Michigan is now 3-1 on the season and with the playoffs expanding to 12 teams this season, they are still in the thick of playoff contention. Michigan was an underdog against USC, no one really gave them a chance, but they rose above their weight and pulled out a win in true Michigan style.
