Kalel Mullings rushed for 92 yards and a career-best three touchdowns, leading Michigan to a 50-6 victory over Northwestern on Saturday, making the Wolverines eligible for a bowl game.
“That’s goal No. 1 of any college football team,” said quarterback Davis Warren. “It means a lot to get another game.”
The Wolverines (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) needed the win to ensure a postseason spot, as they will be heavy underdogs next week against rival Ohio State, ranked second in the nation.
“We understand what’s in front of us, but we’re going to celebrate the win,” Warren added.
The Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) likely ended their hopes for a bowl game with their fourth loss in the last five games.
Michigan’s Aamir Hall made a diving interception on Northwestern’s opening drive, and Mullings scored his first touchdown on a 2-yard run during Michigan’s next possession. He added two more touchdown runs in the third quarter.
Luke Akers kicked two field goals in the second quarter to bring Northwestern within 10-6, but Michigan then scored the next 40 points.
“I told the team it was poor,” said Wildcats coach David Braun. “It was embarrassing. We got dominated in all three phases of the game tonight.”
Warren started the scoring streak with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland with eight seconds left in the first half.
“That really gave us some momentum going into the half,” Warren said.
Donovan Edwards and Tavierre Dunlap each ran for 20-yard touchdowns in the fourth quarter, adding a field goal and safety to the scoreline, marking Michigan’s highest point total since scoring 52 points twice last season.
Warren set career highs with 26 completions on 35 attempts for 195 yards, adding one touchdown and one interception.
Northwestern’s Jack Lausch completed 10 of 21 passes for 106 yards and tied a career high with two interceptions.
The Wildcats were limited to just 10 yards rushing, including 33 yards lost on six sacks.
“They couldn’t get the run game going and there was very little they could do in the pass game,” said Michigan coach Sherrone Moore. “It seemed like they were just searching and couldn’t do much because our defense was playing so well.”
