Michigan vs. USC score, takeaways: Wolverines lean on ground game, physicality to spoil Trojans' Big Ten debut

Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards combined for more than 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns

No. 18 Michigan went nearly the entire second half without picking up a first down before its offense found an explosive gear at just the right time in a 27-24 victory over No. 11 USC. Kalel Mullings busted a 63-yard run with just over two minutes remaining to situate the Wolverines for the go-ahead score.

From there, Mullings punched it in on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 37 seconds remaining. The late touchdown spelled heartbreak for USC, which erased a 14-0 deficit and roared back to take a 24-20 lead with 7:01 remaining in the first-ever Big Ten meeting between the historical powers.

Michigan quarterback Alex Orji passed for just 32 yards in his first career start, but thanks to a series of explosive runs from his star running backs, the Wolverines survived a gamely test from the Trojans. Mullings began the scoring with a 53-yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter. Donovan Edwards added a 41-yard touchdown run in the second quarter as Michigan took a 14-3 lead into halftime.

Undeterred, USC rallied behind quarterback Miller Moss and a reinvigorated defense. But with the game on the line, the Michigan offensive line opened up a hole for Mullings, who shook loose from a host of defenders to position his team for the game-clinching score.

CBS Sports was here the entire way with updates, highlights and analysis. Read on below for more takeaways from the game.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 7:31 pm ET · David Cobb]

All about the explosives

USC's defense did a good job of limiting Michigan's rushing attack on a down-to-down basis, especially as the Wolverines turned ultra-conservative in the second half while nursing a lead. But in the first half — and again when the game was in the balance — the Trojans were crushed by explosive plays. Aside from his touchdown run of 53 yards in the first quarter and his critical 63-yard run in the fourth quarter, Mullings didn't log a single carry for more than eight yards. Outside of his 41-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, Donovan Edwards didn't have a carry for more than six yards. It was all about the explosives for the Wolverines, and their star backs delivered them in decisive fashion against the Trojans.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 7:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Will Johnson's impact and injury

There is a reason Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is ranked No. 1 in the 2025 CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings. He showed it in the third quarter when he jumped a short route concept designed to get the football into the hands of USC speedster Zachariah Branch. USC quarterback Miller Moss didn't account for Johnson lurking on the backside of the play, and Johnson used his twitchy athleticism to corral the football. From there, he ran untouched 42 yards for a touchdown to put Michigan ahead 20-10. Soon after, Johnson was spotted jogging toward the Michigan locker room. He never returned to the game, and his absence was felt. Without their lockdown corner on the field, the Wolverines surrendered a 24-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to USC with 7:01 remaining. His status will be a big story for the Wolverines moving forward, especially since they held on for a win that will keep them in the College Football Playoff hunt.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 7:29 pm ET · David Cobb]

USC's early struggles

USC's offense found a rhythm in the second half behind an aerial assault as quarterback Miller Moss settled in during his first road start. But the physicality of the Trojans' offense was suspect in the first half as they picked up just one first down on their first four possessions. It wasn't until USC opted for a pass-heavy approach that it consistently moved the football. Running back Woody Marks finished with 100 yards on 13 carries, but 65 of them came on a single rush in the third quarter, and he was more of an occasional changeup than a regular part of the Trojans' repertoire in the second half. If USC is going to survive the rough and tumble nature of the Big Ten, it will need to get better at opening up holes for its backs and generate more in the down-to-down running game.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 7:10 pm ET · David Cobb]

Kalel Mullings puts Michigan ahead

It has been feast or famine for Michigan's running game today. But the Wolverines feasted at the right time as Kalel Mullings rattled off a 63-yard run with just over two minutes remaining to set up Michigan's go-ahead touchdown. Mullings punched it on fourth-and-goal from 1-yard line to finish what he started with the game hanging in the balance, putting the Wolverines ahead 27-24 with under a minute left.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:52 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wolverines make a stand

USC just went three-and-out as the Michigan defense made a big stand without much time coming off the clock. The Wolverines still have two timeouts and are getting the football back with 4:02 remaining. Alex Orji is going to have to make some throws to lead a game-winning touchdown drive. But he's just 6 of 10 for 22 yards in this game.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:49 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan offense reeling

On five possessions in the second half, Michigan has gone three-and-out four times. Its other possession resulted in a fumble that led to USC's go-ahead touchdown. The Wolverines have been entirely inept offensively since the break, and USC now has the football and the lead with under five minutes to play. There seems to be a sense of shock inside Michigan Stadium.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:44 pm ET · David Cobb]

USC cashes in

Mid 4Q: USC 24, Michigan 20

USC just cashed in on the Donovan Edwards fumble as Miller Moss hit Ja'Kobi Lane for a 24-yard touchdown to surge ahead 24-20 with 7:01 remaining. That was a third-and-16 play, but Moss fit it between the corner and the safety. Michigan is certainly not helped by the absence of Will Johnson in that situation. The Trojans have their first lead of the day. The missed PAT by Michigan following the Johnson pick-six now looms large as well.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

Donovan Edwards fumbles

USC's Eric Gentry recovered a fumble forced by Anthony Lucas at the Michigan 18-yard line. There is no doubt that the football was out, and USC will get the football inside the red zone needing only a field goal to tie the game. Massive play by the Trojans' defense, which has stepped up in a major way to answer the bell in the second half.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:38 pm ET · David Cobb]

Riley plays it safe

Facing a fourth-and-7 at his own 39-yard line, USC coach Lincoln Riley opted to play it safe and punt. Eddie Czaplicki dropped a 50-yarder inside of Michigan's 15-yard line. USC has two timeouts, and its defense has been stellar. But you could argue the Trojans should have considered going for it there. Michigan's offense has been lifeless in the second half. But if the Wolverines are able to get it going on the ground, they could use this long field to drain a lot of clock.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:31 pm ET · David Cobb]

USC gets another shot

Tommy Doman has been a busy man for Michigan today. His latest punt traveled 51 yards. Joe Taylor walloped Zachariah Branch after a 6-yard return. The Trojans will get the football at their own 21-yard line needing just a field goal to tie.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Will Johnson to locker room

Michigan star cornerback Will Johnson was spotted running into the Michigan locker room just a few moments ago. There was nothing clearly hobbling him as he left the field, but that's a big situation to monitor for the Wolverines' best player. Johnson is also the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:23 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan's chance to put it away

The Michigan defense just forced USC to go three-and-out for the first time since the first quarter. That returns the football to Michigan at its own 33-yard line with the Wolverines nursing a three-point lead. Can Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards rattle off another explosive run to put USC on the ropes? The Wolverines have punted on their last three possessions and have gone three-and-out on their only possessions of the second half.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:17 pm ET · David Cobb]

To the fourth

Start 4Q: Michigan 20, USC 17

USC is set to get the football back to begin the fourth quarter after a big stand from the Trojans. If the third quarter was any indication, we're in for a wild finish. Miller Moss and the USC passing game is hitting its stride, and the Trojans are playing with confidence defensively against the one-dimensional Wolverines. Will Johnson has left his mark on the game for Michigan, but the Wolverines are going to need something from their offense in the fourth quarter if they're going to finish this off.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:12 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wild sequence swings momentum back to USC

Miller Moss hit Jay Fair for a 16-yard touchdown to draw the Trojans within 20-17 and cap a wild sequence. Woody Marks ticked off a 65-yard run to the Michigan 2-yard line and was just barely caught by Jyaire Hill. Then, on third-and-goal, USC quarterback Miller Moss fumbled while attempting to throw the football into the end zone. Michigan began returning the fumble, but Marks wrestled it back at the 27-yard line. So, what would likely have been a USC field goal attempt turned into a double-fumble. Then, two plays later, Moss hit Fair to make it a three-point game.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 6:01 pm ET · David Cobb]

Will Johnson flips the game

Will Johnson just made his imprint on this game and on this Michigan football season with a gamebreaking interception that he returned for a touchdown to put the Wolverines ahead 20-10. The Trojans were facing a third-and-3 and building momentum, and now all of the sudden they are down by 10 again (blocked PAT). Johnson read it all the as Moss looked for Zachariah Branch. Johnson jumped it and returned it 42 yards for a score. That's Johnson's second pick six of the season.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 5:55 pm ET · David Cobb]

Down goes Orji

Eric Gentry got home on Alex Orji with Michigan facing a third-and-5. Orji was looking to throw and hopped forward to evade the pass rush. To no avail, Gentry slung him to the ground, forcing a three-and-out for the Wolverines. USC has the football and the momentum with a chance to take the lead after falling behind 14-0 early. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 5:49 pm ET · David Cobb]

Game on at the Big House

USC embarked on its best drive of the game to open the third quarter, relying mostly on the pass, as it marched 75 yards on 12 plays to score a touchdown and draw within 14-10. Miller Moss found Duce Robinson wide open in the back of the end zone for a 9-yard score to cap the drive. Moss seems to be finding a rhythm in his first ever road start, and the Trojans have shifted the pressure back to the Wolverines.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 5:39 pm ET · David Cobb]

Lake McRee out with knee injury

USC tight end Lake McRee took a shot while corralling a swing pass behind the line of scrimmage near midfield. He needed help from the Trojans' medical staff, leading to a stoppage in play as USC attempts to mount a drive early in the third quarter. McRee entered with nine receptions. After going to the injury tent, he was ruled out for the rest of the game. That's a tough loss for the Trojans, especially as they rely on their passing attack to make a comeback.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 5:29 pm ET · David Cobb]

Abandon the run?

USC gets the football to begin the third quarter. Though the Trojans are down just 14-3, it's worth wondering if they should abandon the run. They've been unable to generate anything on the ground, and possessions will be at a premium in the second half as the Wolverines try and pound the rock. Protecting Miller Moss has been an issue for the Trojans, but if the Trojans are going to win this game, it's going to be with Moss making plays in the passing game.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 5:13 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan's defense winning the day

Half: Michigan 14, USC 3

Kenneth Grant wrestled Miller Moss to the ground for a 12-yard loss on the final play of the first half after the Trojans had worked their way into Wolverines territory. Michigan sacked Moss twice in the first half and knocked him down several more times as the Trojans' offensive line struggled. Woody Marks mustered just 5 yards rushing on six carries as USC became completely one-dimensional.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 5:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Critical possession for USC

Can USC put together a scoring drive in the two-minute drill before halftime? Another good punt has the Trojans stuck inside their own 10-yard line with 1:40 remaining in the half. A score of any kind here would make it a one-possession game and get the Trojans into halftime feeling better about themselves. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 4:48 pm ET · David Cobb]

USC gets on the board

Miller Moss hit Zachariah Branch for a 42-yard gain down the left sideline on third-and-11 to get the Trojans into the red zone for the first time. But Michigan's defense stood up from there. Faced with a fourth-and-goal from the 11, Lincoln Riley had little choice but to kick the field goal. Michael Lantz was good from 29 yards out to make it 14-3 with 4:15 remaining in the first half.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 4:38 pm ET · David Cobb]

Thunder and lightning

First it was Kalel Mullings from 53 yards out. Now, it is Donovan Edwards from 41 yards out. The senior star just gashed USC's defense again to put the Wolverines ahead 14-0. USC's defense has been pretty good on a down-to-down basis. But it's made a couple of critical blunders to allow those home run plays in the run game. A USC offense that has been woefully ineffective is now down two scores in the Big House.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 4:35 pm ET · David Cobb]

Makai Lemon taken in ambulance

USC receiver Makai Lemon is being taken to a hospital in an ambulance, according to the CBS Sports broadcast. Lemon went down on a special teams play, when he was recipient of a block in the first quarter and was in obvious pain. The sophomore receiver made four receptions over the season's first two games.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 4:31 pm ET · David Cobb]

Baby steps for USC?

USC finally picked up a first down, but that was all the Trojans could muster as their fourth possession ends in their fourth punt. Miller Moss was nearly intercepted by Zeke Berry over the middle as he targeted Zachariah Branch on a third down pass. These quarterbacks are a combined 6 of 12 for 37 yards passing in what's been a defensive slugfest so far.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 4:25 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan flips the field

Michigan wound up punting. But in a game like this, flipping the field constitutes a good possession. That's what the Wolverines did, courtesy of a couple first downs picked up by Alex Orji on the ground. USC will take over at its own 13 still in search of a first down. The Wolverines have been vicious defensively, particularly against the run.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 4:16 pm ET · David Cobb]

Mason Graham stands his ground

Michigan's mean defensive tackle Mason Graham just made his presence felt by stuffy Woody Marks for no gain on a third-and-1 play to force the Trojans into a third straight three-and-out to start the game. The physicality questions surrounding USC centered on its defense entering this game. But the Trojans' offensive line has been particularly shaky early. USC is stuck on 3 total yards entering the second quarter.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 4:12 pm ET · David Cobb]

Kalel Mulligs breaks off the big one

Late 1Q: Michigan 7, USC 0

Kalel Mullings just ripped off a 53-yard touchdown run on first down to put Michigan up 7-0 early. The Wolverines BARELY converted a fourth-and-1 on the previous play to keep the drive alive. USC's defense had been stout. But Mullings busted through virtually untouched to give Michigan a critical early advantage. The Wolverines are not built to play from behind.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 4:04 pm ET · David Cobb]

Josaiah Stewart's big sack

Stewart hammered Miller Moss for a loss of nine yards on second down to stymie USC's second possession before it could ever begin. The Wolverines are getting excellent push on USC's offensive line early in this game, which has been a battle of the punters. USC has netted -6 yards on its first two possessions, and the teams have combined for only one first down.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 3:59 pm ET · David Cobb]

USC's defense looking good

Michigan just went three-and-out on its second series after Mason Cobb and Eric Gentry stuffed Kalel Mullins at the line of scrimmage on first down. From there, Orji picked up four on the ground. Facing a third down, he passed to Fredrick Moore short of the sticks. This time, Tommy Doman's punt sailed into the end zone. The Trojans are looking sound defensively early, and the Michigan offense has been just as predictable as expected through two possessions.