Kalel Mullings and the Michigan Wolverines triumphed over the USC Trojans with a 27-24 victory, scoring a crucial touchdown during their final possession in the last minutes of the fourth quarter.

Mullings set personal bests with 17 carries and 159 yards, also matching his career record with two touchdowns.

USC, coming into the game with a 2-1 record, was ranked No. 12 in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll, while Michigan, now at 3-1, held the No. 17 spot.

Quarterback Miller Moss and the Trojans had a slow offensive start after a bye week but rallied in the second half to keep the game competitive. The Wolverines entered the match fresh off a 28-18 win over Arkansas State, aiming to bounce back from a previous defeat to No. 2 Texas on September 7.

Earlier this week, Coach Sherrone Moore announced Alex Orji as Michigan’s starting quarterback, a decision that marked a change for the team.

Orji completed seven out of twelve passes for 32 yards and contributed 43 rushing yards on 15 carries.

USC vs. Michigan highlights

Michigan edges out USC in thrilling Big Ten matchup

Michigan’s defense held strong, preventing USC from entering field goal range and securing their victory in the Big Ten Conference at home.

Mullings gives Michigan late-game lead

Kalel Mullings regained the lead for Michigan with a short touchdown run, completing a 10-play, 89-yard drive. Dominic Zvada converted the extra point.

With only 37 seconds left in the game, Michigan led 27-24.

USC capitalizes on turnover to gain lead

The Trojans took the lead in the fourth quarter after Miller Moss threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Kobi Lane, successfully converting the extra point.

USC took advantage of a fumble by Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, caused by linebacker Eric Gentry, which occurred at the 18-yard line. With 7:06 remaining in the fourth, USC led Michigan 24-20 after the Wolverines failed to advance on their previous two drives.

Injury update on Will Johnson

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson was seen heading towards the locker room, noted by CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell, who later observed Johnson’s family in the area. Details about his injury remain unclear.

Jay Fair puts USC back in the game after wild fumble exchange

The Trojans were able to continue their offense as Miller Moss connected with Jay Fair for a 16-yard touchdown, successfully converting the extra point.

USC trailed Michigan 20-17 with 1:28 remaining in the third quarter after a chaotic double-fumble play that initially gave the ball to Michigan before being recovered by USC.

Will Johnson adds to Michigan’s score

Will Johnson made his mark by intercepting Miller Moss’s pass and returning it for a touchdown, setting a Michigan record for most pick-sixes. Dominic Zvada missed the extra point attempt.

After this play, Michigan led USC 20-10 with 5:31 left in the third quarter. Johnson is regarded as a promising prospect for the upcoming NFL draft.

Injury reports from USC and Michigan

Tight end Lake McRee was visibly upset on the sidelines after being tackled at the legs, with CBS showing him without his helmet.

Michigan’s Alex Orji was seen on the sidelines receiving attention from an athletic trainer for his taped right hand.

Miller Moss connects with Duce Robinson for touchdown

Miller Moss successfully passed to Duce Robinson for a nine-yard touchdown. Michael Lantz converted the extra point, capping off a solid 12-play, 75-yard opening drive for the second half. Michigan still led USC 14-10 with 9:10 left in the third quarter.

Changes on USC’s offensive line

Coach Lincoln Riley made some adjustments on the offensive line to start the second half, bringing in Tobias Raymond at right tackle and moving Mason Murphy to left tackle. Elijah Paige was benched after a false start penalty in the first quarter, and Alani Noa was replaced as well.

Michigan leads at halftime

The Wolverines went into halftime with a commanding 14-3 advantage over the Trojans.

Michigan amassed 199 rushing yards in the first half on 27 carries, while USC managed a loss of 16 yards over eight attempts.

Orji had a mixed first half, completing four of seven passes for 21 yards while adding 47 rushing yards on seven carries. Meanwhile, Miller Moss struggled initially, completing 11 of 20 passes for 134 yards and being sacked twice.

USC attempts to answer Michigan’s lead

The Trojans aimed to respond to Michigan’s earlier scoring drive, pushing to cut down the lead.

The Trojans faced difficulties on third-and-11, but Moss evaded a sack and connected with receiver Zachariah Branch, completing a 42-yard pass.

Despite the Trojans’ efforts, the Wolverines successfully defended against a touchdown, leading USC to settle for a successful 29-yard field goal. With 4:15 remaining in the second quarter, Michigan is ahead of USC 14-3.

Donovan Edwards scores, extending Michigan’s lead

Michigan’s running game thrived against USC during the opening half, highlighted by Donovan Edwards’ impressive 41-yard run that ended in a touchdown. The successful field goal puts Michigan ahead 14-0 with 7:14 left in the second quarter.

Makai Lemon transported to hospital following injury

Makai Lemon was transported by ambulance from the stadium to a nearby hospital after sustaining an injury in the first quarter, as reported by CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell.

Michigan pays tribute to Greg Harden with helmet patch

The Michigan Wolverines honored Greg Harden, who passed away last week due to complications from surgery. A Michigan alumnus, Harden was a life coach and motivational speaker who worked with notable figures, including seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, as well as Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.

Makai Lemon seen in locker room after injury

Lemon was seen returning to the locker room for a thorough evaluation after the first quarter.

Kalel Mullings scores, giving Michigan an early advantage

Coach Sherrone Moore made a pivotal call to go for it on a fourth-and-1, which paid off as the Wolverines secured the first down. Following that, Kalel Mullings dashed 53 yards for a touchdown. The successful field goal brings Michigan’s lead to 7-0 with 3:10 remaining in the first quarter.

USC encountered a short-yardage challenge on third-and-1; however, running back Woody Marks could not advance for the first down, being stopped by defensive lineman Mason Graham. As a result, USC had to punt.

USC’s WR Makai Lemon injured in the first quarter

Wide receiver Makai Lemon was down on the field after the Trojans’ punt. It appeared he was hit by a Michigan player from the side. Athletic trainers attended to him on the field, but he was able to walk off toward the sideline.

Strong defensive play from both Michigan and USC early on

After winning the coin toss, USC opted to defer, allowing Michigan to receive the kickoff.

The Trojans shut down the Wolverines’ initial drive with a key tackle from linebacker Mason Cobb, who stopped running back Donovan Edwards for a 3-yard loss on second down. Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold then tackled quarterback Alex Orji on third down, forcing Michigan to punt.

Michigan’s defensive line dominated USC’s offense, putting them deep in their own territory. A false start penalty against USC offensive lineman Elijah Paige pushed the Trojans back to their three-yard line on second down.

The score remained 0-0 with five minutes left in the first quarter after USC punted the ball back to Michigan.

USC vs. Michigan pregame updates

As anticipated, quarterback Alex Orji is making his first career start for the Wolverines this afternoon.

Unfortunately, Orji will be without starting tight end Colston Loveland, who was deemed “out” on the pregame injury report.

When is USC vs. Michigan scheduled?

The game will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

This matchup marks the first encounter between these two teams since the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2007, and the first contest in Ann Arbor since 1958, where Michigan triumphed 20-19 over USC.

How to catch the USC-Michigan action

Fans can watch the game live on CBS, and also via Paramount+ and Fubo.

College football Week 2 schedule and Top 25 standings

All times are 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

No. 2 Texas 51, Louisiana-Monroe 3

No. 5 Ole Miss 52, Georgia Southern 13

No. 7 Tennessee 25, No. 13 Oklahoma 15

No. 11 Miami 50, South Florida 15

Navy 56, No. 23 Memphis 44

No. 24 Texas A&M 26, Bowling Green 20

No. 14 Kansas State at BYU: 10:30 p.m. on ESPN

College football predictions for Week 4

USC vs. Michigan odds and lines

The USC Trojans are favored to win against the Michigan Wolverines in their college football clash this Saturday, according to BetMGM’s college football odds. Planning to place bets? Explore leading college football betting apps in 2024 that provide the best NCAA football betting promotions and bonuses.

Odds as of Saturday afternoon.

• Spread: USC (-4.5)
• Moneyline: USC (-210); Michigan (+170)
• Over/Under: 44

USC vs. Michigan game predictions

Detroit Free Press: USC 27, Michigan 16

Tony Garcia states, “It’s unusual to enter Week 4 with so many uncertainties, which is often the case with a substantial change at quarterback. The outcomes could vary. Orji may enhance the running aspect and work harmoniously with the defense, creating an effective new strategy for Michigan. Conversely, there might be a reason for the instability.

Orji wasn’t the original starting quarterback, which is evident. There might be brief moments of brilliance, but they are not consistent enough for an entire game. Ultimately, USC possesses an abundance of talent and a reliable strategy.

Irish Breakdown: USC 27, Michigan 13

Bryan Driskell states, “Michigan’s defense will keep the game competitive for a bit, but the Trojans simply have more athleticism, and I doubt Michigan’s offense can hold up to win in this matchup.”

ClutchPoints: USC 28, Michigan 10

Scotty White notes, “This season, the Trojans have shown themselves to be much more dominant than Michigan. When the Wolverines were underdogs against Texas, the Longhorns easily covered the spread. Alex Orji isn’t equipped to manage the passing game adequately, and USC will score enough for a clear win.”

All-Time Record: USC vs. Michigan

• 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)

Depth Charts for Teams

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 still in the game, but will it make a difference? Are there genuine concerns regarding Georgia? How will a pivotal Saturday unfold?

Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg from YSL News Sports delve into these subjects and others in this week’s College Football Fix.

US LBM Coaches Poll

This week’s US LBM Coaches Poll sees both USC and Michigan ranked. The Trojans stand at No. 12, dropping one position after a bye week in Week 3. Michigan is at No. 17, also slipping one spot.

College Football Bowl Projections

There’s still ample time this season for teams to maneuver their standings in hopes of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff and, at minimum, a bowl game. Below are Erick Smith’s YSL News Sports bowl projections after the Week 3 results.

Re-Rank 1-134 in College Football

Paul Myerberg presents this week’s YSL News Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-134, which ranks every college football team, including USC and Michigan before their afternoon clash.

College Football Overreactions from Week 3

Reporter Eddie Timanus returns to provide insights in response to the reactions from Week 3, much of which was stirred up by participants from one conference particularly.

Predictions for the 2024 College Football Season

Experts at YSL News Sports share their forecasts for the upcoming season, including which 12 teams will qualify for the College Football Playoff. Who will seize the national championship?

• Scooby Axson: Ohio State

• Jordan Mendoza: Oregon

• Paul Myerberg: Georgia

• Erick Smith: Georgia

• Eddie Timanus: Ohio State

• Dan Wolken: Ohio State