ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A new quarterback breathed new life into the Michigan football team, but it was running back Kalel Mullings who saved the day.

The senior running back had a career day for the second straight year, rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-24 win over No. 11 USC to open Big Ten play on Saturday. Michigan improves its early-season record to 3-1 under new coach Sherrone Moore.

Mulling’s second touchdown of the game proved to be the decisive one, coming on a run from the 1-yard line on fourth down with 37 seconds left in the game. Michigan struggled offensively in the second half, failing to gain a first down before the game-winning 10-play, 89-yard run.

Before the drive, Michigan seemed ready to give up the game. The Wolverines were outscored 21-6 in the second half, with USC tearing apart Michigan’s defense with tough plays and long touchdown drives. A 24-yard touchdown pass from Miller Moss to Ja’Kobi Lane with 7:01 left gave the Trojans their first lead of the day.

USC had another chance to tie or take the lead shortly before the end, but the game-winning drive only made it to its own 45-yard line before a completed fourth down missed the line and another attempt was possible.

Senior running back Donovan Edwards contributed to the win by turning 14 carries into 74 yards and a touchdown, but caused a costly fumble in the fourth quarter that contributed to USC’s final touchdown. Alex Orji, starting at quarterback for the first time in his career, ran for 43 yards but was ineffective in the passing attack, completing just 7 of 12 for 32 yards.

While Michigan’s defense had its issues, it was ultimately the defense that helped keep the game close. USC struggled to mount any kind of running attack in the first half (minus-16 total yards) as the Wink Martindale-led unit applied pressure to Moss while junior cornerback Will Johnson made a crucial 42-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart also had a great day, totaling three tackles for loss, two sacks and four quarterback hurries. Cornerback Jyaire Hill, who struggled in Michigan’s first three games, led the team with six tackles (one for loss) and two pass breakups.

Gameplay: Kalel Mullings needed a game-winning play and delivered it on third-and-1 with 2:12 left in the game. He broke the line, turned away from a tackle in the open field and ran for 63 yards, contributing to the game-winning score. It was Mullings’ second consecutive game with more than 150 rushing yards.

Next: Michigan will host Minnesota next Saturday, September 28, the Wolverines’ fifth consecutive home game to begin the season. Kickoff time and TV channel have not yet been announced.

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