ANN ARBOR, Mich. — If Michigan needed more proof to solidify Kalel Mullings as its top running back, Saturday’s performance likely sealed the decision.
The fifth-year graduate student delivered another standout game, rushing for 159 yards and scoring two touchdowns, helping the Wolverines secure a 27-24 victory over No. 11 USC at Michigan Stadium.
After a thrilling showdown at the Big House, the Michigan Wolverines improved to 3-1 with a hard-fought 27-24 win over USC. Going into the game, few expected Michigan to come out on top, and at several points, it looked like they might be heading into Week 4 with two losses.
A major factor behind the early doubts was the defense, which hadn’t looked as dominant as it did last season. Michigan’s opponents had been averaging 20 points per game, and just two weeks earlier, Quinn Ewers and Texas had shredded the Wolverines. There were reasonable concerns about whether the defense could handle another high-powered offense like USC’s, but on Saturday, the defense rose to the challenge—thanks in large part to the efforts of the defensive line.
The D-line set the tone from the start. In the first half, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart both sacked Miller Moss, and the Trojans were held to a staggering -16 rushing yards before halftime.
The run-stopping dominance was a deliberate part of the game plan, according to junior defensive tackle Mason Graham, who recorded six total tackles (including one for a loss) and showcased his status as one of the nation’s premier defensive tackles.
“I feel like that’s always the game plan going into any game—stop the run,” said Graham when asked about forcing USC to rely on the pass. “That’s what we did.”
By shutting down USC’s rushing attack, Michigan forced the Trojans into predictable passing situations early on, making it easier for the defense to win on third downs—a struggle in the first three games. This time, however, USC only converted one of seven third-down attempts in the first half.
Additionally, Michigan’s ability to force passing situations allowed the pass rush to pressure Miller Moss. The defense registered four sacks and managed to get a few extra hits on Moss, making him uncomfortable. In just his fourth career start, it seemed rattling him early on disrupted the flow of USC’s offense and kept them from sustaining drives.
