Michigan faced Southern California in their Big Ten debut, showcasing a tough style of play.
Kalel Mullings scored a 2-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal with just 37 seconds left, leading the 18th-ranked Wolverines to a 27-24 victory over the 11th-ranked Trojans.
Michigan (3-1, 1-0) bounced back after losing a 14-0 lead in the first half and had two fumbles in the second half. This win extends their Big Ten winning streak to a school-record 26 games.
The Wolverines completed a 10-play, 89-yard touchdown drive, mostly thanks to Mullings. The former linebacker made a crucial 63-yard run from their own 20-yard line and finished the drive with his second touchdown, backed by a fullback, ensuring there was no question about the play.
“It’s not five guys, it’s seven with the tight ends out there,” Mullings explained.
Michigan and USC had met 10 times before, mostly in the Rose Bowl, and hadn’t played in the regular season since 1958.
The Trojans (2-1, 0-1) took a 24-20 lead in the fourth quarter when Miller Moss connected with Ja’Kobi Lane for a 24-yard touchdown.
USC’s final chance ended with a fourth-down pass that fell short near midfield. “I think it was just a classic, back-and-forth fight,” said Trojans coach Lincoln Riley.
Mullings had a career-high 159 yards rushing, including a 53-yard touchdown run that initially put Michigan ahead. Donovan Edwards also contributed with a 41-yard run, giving Michigan a two-touchdown lead.
Moss completed 28 of 51 passes for 283 yards, throwing three touchdowns but also an interception, which was returned for Michigan’s only other score in the second half.
“I feel like I cost our team in a big way,” he admitted.
USC’s Woody Marks rushed for 100 yards on 13 carries and even managed to knock the ball out of Kenneth Grant’s hands after the defensive tackle recovered a fumble for Michigan.
