ANN ARBOR, Michigan — A new quarterback has breathed new life into Michigan’s 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 week, 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 to 3-1 to start the season under new coach Sherrone Moore.

Mullings’ second touchdown of the game proved to be the difference-maker, on a fourth-and-goal run from the 1-yard line with 37 seconds left in the game. Michigan had struggled on offense in the second half, failing to gain a first down before the game-winning 10-play, 89-yard drive.

Before the drive, Michigan looked ready to surrender the game. The Wolverines were outscored 21-6 in the second half, with USC hammering the Michigan defense on chunk plays and long touchdown drives. A 24-yard touchdown pass from Miller Moss to Ja’Kobi Lane with 7:01 to play gave the Trojans their first lead of the day.

USC had another chance to tie or take the lead in the final minutes, but the game-ending drive only reached its own 45-yard line before a completed ball on fourth down ended up just wide.

Senior running back Donovan Edwards helped secure the win by converting 14 carries into 74 yards and a touchdown, but was responsible for a costly fumble in the fourth quarter that contributed to USC’s final touchdown. Alex Orji, making his first career start at quarterback, rushed for 43 yards but was ineffective in the passing attack, finishing just 7 of 12 for 32 yards.

While Michigan’s defense struggled, it was ultimately the defense that kept the game close. USC struggled to establish a rushing attack in the first half (totaling -16 yards) as the Wink Martindale-led unit pressured 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 good day, totaling three tackles for loss, two sacks and four quarterback hurries. Cornerback Jyaire Hill, who has struggled in Michigan’s first three games, led the team with six tackles (one for a loss) and two pass breakups.

Gameplay: Kalel Mullings needed a game-changing play and made it on third-and-1 with 2:12 left. He broke through the line, spun off an open-field tackle and took off, rushing 63 yards to set up the winning score. It was Mullings’ second straight game with 150-plus yards rushing.

Next: Michigan hosts Minnesota next Saturday, September 28, the Wolverines’ fifth straight home game to open the season. Kickoff time and TV network have not yet been announced.

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