ANN ARBOR, Mich. — — Kalel Mullings ran for a career-high 153 yards and two touchdowns to help No. 17 Michigan overcome Davis Warren’s three interceptions in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State on Saturday.

The Wolverines (2-1) scored three times on the ground after entering the game without a rushing touchdown in two games, including last week’s loss to then-No. 3 Texas that ended a 28-game regular-season winning streak and a 23-game home winning streak.

For the reigning national champion, running was much more effective than throwing.

Warren threw an interception in each of the first three quarters and completed 11 of 14 passes for 122 yards, completing the majority on short passes.

Alex Orji replaced Warren and took advantage, throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to Hogan Hansen, giving the Wolverines a 28-3 lead early in the fourth quarter.

The Red Wolves (2-1) scored two touchdowns in the final phase and missed chances earlier in the game to make the game even more exciting.

They trailed by just four points for most of the second quarter after Clune Van Andel made a 27-yard kick, but he hit the right and left posts twice more in the first half trying to convert a field goal.

Jaylen Raynor had a chance to cut the Wolverines’ 18-point lead at their own 20-yard line, but his pass into the end zone was intercepted by Makari Paige.

Raynor intercepted 19 of 33 passes for 140 yards before coach Butch Jones replaced him with Timmy McClain midway through the fourth quarter.

McClain threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Reginald Harden with 5:38 left and threw a short pass to the speedy receiver, who scored on a 22-yard reception with 8 seconds left.

Michigan’s Donovan Edwards had 13 carries for 70 yards and a score in the first half and finished with 82 rushing yards.

All-America tight end Colston Loveland had three receptions for 30 yards before leaving the field with an injury in the third quarter.

The takeaway meal

Arkansas State had three third downs on the opening drive, and when Jones had a chance to keep the momentum going with a fourth-and-1 at the Michigan 25-yard line, he elected to let Van Andel shoot, hitting the right post.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore could make a change at quarterback. Davis beat out Orji for the job early in the season but hasn’t done much to keep him. Orji is limited as a passer, but his ability to run gives the offensively challenged team another way to move the ball. He ran the ball three times for 27 yards and was 2 of 4 for 12 yards with a score.

Implications for the poll

Michigan could fall again in the AP Top 25 after another disappointing performance. Michigan began the season ranked No. 9, dropped one spot after beating Fresno State, and dropped another 10 spots after losing to the Longhorns.

Touching tributes

Michigan asked fans before the game to observe a moment of silence for actor James Earl Jones, a Michigan graduate who died Monday, and to cheer in honor of Greg Harden, a Michigan graduate who died Thursday.

Next

Arkansas State will face a top-ranked team for the second straight year, playing No. 21 Iowa State on Saturday.

Michigan plays No. 11 USC in its Big Ten season opener on Saturday.

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Follow Larry Lage on https://twitter.com/larrylage

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