Kalel Mullings and the Michigan Wolverines beat the USC Trojans 27-24 after scoring on their final possession, retaking the lead late in the fourth quarter.
Mullings led the Wolverines with career-highs in carries (17) and yards (159). He also tied his career-high with two touchdowns.
USC (2-1) entered the game ranked No. 12 in this week’s US LBM Coaches Poll while Michigan (3-1) was ranked No. 17.
Quarterback Miller Moss and the Trojans were coming off a bye week and started the first half slow on offense before using a strong second half to keep the game close in the final period. The Wolverines were coming off a 28-18 victory over Arkansas State. The pair of wins now serves as a much-needed bounce-back following the 31-12 loss to No. 2 Texas on Sept. 7.
Coach Sherrone Moore decided to make a change earlier this week when he announced Alex Orji as the Wolverines’ starting quarterback.
Orji completed seven of 12 passes for 32 yards. He contributed on the ground with 15 carries for 43 yards.
USC vs. Michigan highlights
Michigan beats USC in Big Ten thriller
Michigan’s defense prevents USC from getting into field goal range to hold on to the lead and the Big Ten Conference victory at home.
Kalel Mullings, Michigan retake lead from USC late
Kalel Mullings puts Michigan back in front after a short-yardage touchdown run that capped off a 10-play, 89-yard drive. Dominic Zvada’s PAT is good.
The Wolverines lead the Trojans 27-24 with 37 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
USC football converts turnover into points for lead
The Trojans have taken a lead in the fourth quarter after Miller Moss found Ja’Kobi Lane for a 24-yard touchdown. PAT was good.
USC capitalized on the opportunity presented after linebacker Eric Gentry had forced running back Donovan Edwards to fumble on the first play of a drive on the Michigan 18-yard line. USC leads Michigan 24-20 with 7:06 left in the fourth quarter. Michigan’s offense has stalled out having been forced to a four-and-out on the two possessions prior to the fumble.
Will Johnson walks back to locker room
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson was seen walking up the tunnel toward the locker room. CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell mentioned on the broadcast that Johnson’s family was also seen in the tunnel a few minutes later. It remains unclear what the injury could be.
USC’s Jay Fair scores shortly after wild double-fumble play
The Trojans have managed to stay in the game after Miller Moss completes a pass to Jay Fair for a wide-open 16-yard touchdown. PAT was good.
The Trojans trail the Wolverines 20-17 with 1:28 left in the third quarter.
USC had its drive briefly interrupted after Moss fumbled the football and had it recovered by Michigan lineman Kenneth Grant, who also fumbled it away. Woody Marks recovered the ball to give the Trojans a new set of downs.
Will Johnson scores for Michigan
Defensive back Will Johnson sets a new Michigan record for most career pick-6s after increasing the Wolverines’ lead when intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss’ pass and returning it back for a touchdown with 5:31 left in the third quarter. Kicker Dominic Zvada missed the field goal.
Michigan leads USC 20-10.
Johnson is viewed as a highly touted NFL draft prospect, who could hear his name called in the first round in April.
USC, Michigan injury update
Tight end Lake McRee appeared to be visibly upset on the sideline without his helmet on the CBS broadcasts. McRee made a catch before a Michigan defender tackled McRee at his legs.
Michigan quarterback Alex Orji was spotted on the CBS broadcast with an athletic trainer, who was looking at his taped up right hand.
Miller Moss finds Duce Robinson in the end zone
Receiver Duce Robinson caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Miller Moss. Michael Lantz made the successful field goal. The Trojans produced a 12-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half. Michigan leads USC 14-10 with 9:10 left in the third quarter.
USC makes changes along the offensive line
Coach Lincoln Riley appeared to make some adjustments on the offensive line to start the second half. Tobias Raymond enters the game at right tackle while Mason Murphy moves to left tackle, according to Orange County Register reporter Luca Evans. Elijah Paige, who was called for a false start in the first quarter, was benched. Alani Noa was also replaced during the game.
Michigan leads USC at halftime
The Wolverines returned to the locker room with a comfortable 14-3 lead over the Trojans.
Michigan had 199 rushing yards in the first half on 27 carries while USC was held to -16 yards on eight attempts.
Alex Orji completed just four of seven pass attempts for 21 yards for Michigan but had an impact on the ground with 47 yards on seven carries in his first career start.
Quarterback Miller Moss and the USC offense have been slow out of the gate. Moss completed 11 of 20 pass attempts for 134 yards. He was also sacked twice.
USC cuts into Michigan’s lead
Quarterback Miller Moss and the USC offense drove down the field looking to answer Michigan’s touchdown drive. The Trojans were unsuccessful on third-and-11 before Moss managed to avoid a sack and connect with receiver Zachariah Branch for a 42-yard gain.
The Wolverines manage to keep the Trojans out of the endzone and USC settles for a successful 29-yard field goal. Michigan leads USC 14-3 with 4:15 left in the second quarter.
Donovan Edwards’ touchdown helps Michigan increase lead
Michigan has continued to find success with the run game against USC during the first half. Running back Donovan Edwards had a 41-yard run result in a touchdown. The field goal attempt was good. Michigan leads USC 14-0 with 7:14 left in the second quarter.
Makai Lemon headed to hospital after injury
Makai Lemon was being driven in an ambulance from the stadium to a nearby hospital after suffering an injury in the first quarter, according to CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell.
Michigan honors Greg Harden with helmet patch
The Michigan Wolverines honored Greg Harden, who died last week after complications from surgery. The Michigan alumnus served as a life coach and motivational speaker and has worked with other notable alumni such as 7-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard. He also worked with Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.
Makai Lemon in the locker room after injury
Lemon was spotted going back to the locker room at the end of the first quarter for further evaluation.
Kalel Mullings’ touchdown gives Michigan an early lead
Coach Sherrone Moore made a huge decision to go with it on fourth-and-1 and it paid off for the Wolverines, who managed to pick up the first down. Michigan’s Kalel Mullings had a 53-yard touchdown run on the next play. The field goal was good. Michigan leads USC 7-0 with 3:10 left in the first quarter.
USC had a short-yardage situation on third-and-1 but running back Woody Marks was unable to pick up the first down after he was stuffed by defensive lineman Mason Graham. USC punts.
USC WR Makai Lemon injured in first quarter
Receiver Makai Lemon is down on the field after the Trojans punted. Looks like a Michigan player hit Lemon with what looked like a blindside hit. Athletic trainers were looking at him on the field. He managed to walk off the field and toward the sideline.
Michigan, USC defense stand out early
USC won the coin toss and decided to defer to Michigan. The Wolverines receive the ball.
The Trojans held the Wolverines scoreless on an opening drive that featured a solid backfield tackle from USC linebacker Mason Cobb on running back Donovan Edwards for a 3-yard loss on second down. Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold tackles quarterback Alex Orji on third down before Michigan is forced to punt.
Michigan’s defensive line gets the best of USC’s offense, as it was pinned deep near the goal line. USC offensive lineman Elijah Paige was called for a false start penalty that put the Trojans back on their three-yard line on second down.
Michigan and USC remain scoreless with five minutes left in the first quarter. USC punts the ball back to Michigan
USC vs. Michigan pregame
As expected, quarterback Alex Orji will make his first career start for the Wolverines this afternoon.
Orji will be without starting tight end Colston Loveland, who was listed as ‘out’ on the pregame injury report.
When is USC vs. Michigan?
Kickoff is Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
It’s the first meeting between the two teams since the Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1, 2007. It’s also the first meeting between the two teams in Ann Arbor since 1958 when Michigan beat USC 20-19.
How to watch USC-Michigan game
The game will be broadcast on CBS, and also on Paramount+ and Fubo.
College football Week 2 schedule, Top 25
All times Eastern
No. 17 Michigan 27, No. 12 USC 24
No. 16 LSU 34, UCLA 17
No. 3 Ohio State 49, Marshall 14
No. 8 Missouri 30, Vanderbilt 27
No. 10 Utah 22, No. 15 Oklahoma State 19
No. 8 Penn State 56, Kent State 0
No. 18 Notre Dame 28, Miami (Ohio) 3
No. 20 Louisville 31, Georgia Tech 19
No. 21 Iowa State 52, Arkansas State 7
No. 19 Clemson 59, North Carolina State 35
Louisiana-Monroe at No. 2 Texas: 8 p.m. on ESPN+, SEC Network+
Georgia Southern at No. 5 Ole Miss: 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network
No. 11 Miami at South Florida: 7 p.m. on ESPN
No. 23 Memphis at Navy: 3:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
Bowling Green at No. 24 Texas A&M: 7:30 p.m. on ESPN+, SEC Network+
No. 14 Kansas State at BYU: 10:30 p.m. on ESPN
College football picks Week 4
USC vs. Michigan odds, lines
The USC Trojans are favorites to defeat the Michigan Wolverines in Saturday’s college football matchup, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the top college football betting apps in 2024 offering the top NCAA football betting promos and bonuses in 2024.
Odds as of Saturday afternoon.
- Spread: USC (-4.5)
- Moneyline: USC (-210); Michigan (+170)
- Over/Under: 44
USC vs. Michigan predictions
Detroit Free Press: USC 27, Michigan 16
Tony Garcia writes ‘It’s rare to have so much unknown in Week 4, but that’s what happens when there’s a major quarterback switch. It could go a few ways. Perhaps Orji unlocks the run element, it complements the defense perfectly and Michigan has found a new formula. Or, perhaps there’s a reason Orji wasn’t the starter originally and it shows. Or maybe there are just flashes, but not enough for a full game. In any case, USC just has too much talent and too solid of a scheme.’
Irish Breakdown: USC 27, Michigan 13
Bryan Driskell writes ‘Michigan’s defense will keep it close for awhile, but the Trojans are just too athletic and I just don’t think Michigan’s offense is just not good enough to win a game like this.’
ClutchPoints: USC 28, Michigan 10
Scotty White writes ‘The Trojans have simply looked a lot more impressive than Michigan this season, and when the Wolverines were similar underdogs against Texas, the Longhorns covered easily. Alex Orji isn’t going to be good enough in the passing game and USC will be able to score enough points for a comfortable win.’
USC vs. Michigan all-time record
- USC 32, Michigan 18 (Jan. 1, 2007)
- USC 28, Michigan 14 (Jan. 1, 2004)
- USC 17, Michigan 10 (Jan. 1, 1990)
- Michigan 22, USC 14 (Jan. 2, 1989)
- USC 17, Michigan 10 (Jan. 1, 1979)
- USC 14, Michigan 6 (Jan. 1, 1977)
- USC 10, Michigan 3 (Jan. 1, 1970)
- Michigan 20, USC 19 (Sept. 27, 1958)
- Michigan 16, USC 6 (Sept. 28, 1957)
- Michigan 49, USC 0 (Jan. 1, 1948)
Team Depth Charts
USC depth chart
USC depth chart
· QB: Miller Moss
· RB: Woody Marks
· WR-X: Kyron Hudson or Duce Robinson
· WR-Z: Ja’Kobi Lane or Kyle Ford
· WR-SL: Zachariah Branch
· TE: Lake McRee
· LT: Elijah Paige
· LG: Emmanuel Pregnon
· C: Jonah Monheim
· RG: Alani Noa or Amos Talalele
· RT: Mason Murphy
Defense
· DE: Anthony Lucas
· DT: Gavin Meyer or Bear Alexander
· DT: Nate Clifton
· DE: Jamil Muhammad
· MLB: Easton Mascarenas-Arnold
· WLB: Mason Cobb or Eric Gentry
· NB: Greedy Vance Jr.
· LCB: Jacobe Covington
· SS: Akili Arnold
· FS: Kamari Ramsey
· RCB: Jaylin Smith
Specialists
· Punter: Eddie Czaplicki
· Placekicker: Michael Lantz
Michigan depth chart
Offense
· QB: Alex Orji
· RB: Donovan Edwards
· WR-X: Peyton O’Leary
· WR-Z: Tyler Morris
· WR-SL: Semaj Morgan
· TE: Colston Loveland
· LT: Myles Hinton
· LG: Josh Priebe
· C: Dominick Giudice
· RG: Giovanni El-Hadi
· RT: Evan Link
Defense
· DE: Cameron Brandt
· NT: Kenneth Grant
· DT: Mason Graham
· LOLB: Josaiah Stewart
· MLB: Jaishawn Barham
· WLB: Ernest Hausmann
· ROLB: Derrick Moore
· LCB: Jyaire Hill
· SS: Makari Paige
· FS: Quinten Johnson
· RCB: Will Johnson
Specialists
· Punter: Tommy Doman
· Placekicker: Dominic Zvada
College Football Fix podcast
The Pac-12 is staying alive but will it matter? Are there legitimate concerns about Georgia? And how will a huge Saturday shake out?
Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports discuss these topics and more in this week’s version of the College Football Fix.
US LBM Coaches Poll
Both USC and Michigan are ranked in this week’s US LBM Coaches Poll. The Trojans are ranked No. 12 this week after falling one spot following a bye week for Week 3. Michigan is No. 17 this week after dropping one spot.
College football bowl projections
There’s still a lot of time left in the season for teams to continue jockeying for position with the hope of landing a spot in the College Football Playoff and at the very least a bowl game. Here are Erick Smith’s USA TODAY Sports bowl projections following the result of Week 3 games.
College football Re-Rank 1-134
Paul Myerberg provides this week’s USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-134, where he ranks every team in college football, including USC and Michigan before they meet this afternoon.
College football overreactions from Week 3
Reporter Eddie Timanus is back to offer some big-picture perspective in response to a bit of the buzz from Week 3, much of which was generated by members of one conference in particular.
College football 2024 season predictions
The experts at USA TODAY Sports offer predictions for the season ahead, including which 12 teams will make the College Football Playoff. Who wins the national championship?
- Scooby Axson: Ohio State
- Jordan Mendoza: Oregon
- Paul Myerberg: Georgia
- Erick Smith: Georgia
- Eddie Timanus: Ohio State
- Dan Wolken: Ohio State
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