ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A new quarterback helped breathe life into the Michigan football team, but it was running back Kalel Mullings who helped save the day.

The senior running back turned in a career day for a 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, coming on a fourth-and-goal run from the 1-yard line with 37 seconds left in the game. Michigan had struggled offensively in the second half, failing to gain a first down before the game-winning 10-play, 89-yard drive.

Before the drive, Michigan appeared ready to cough up the game. The Wolverines had been outscored 21-6 in the second half, with USC gashing the Michigan defense for 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 opportunity to tie or take the lead late, but the game-ending drive only made it to its own 45-yard line before a fourth-down completion fell short of the line to gain.

Senior running back Donovan Edwards aided in the victory, turning 14 carries into 74 yards and a touchdown but accounted for a costly fumble in the fourth quarter that aided in USC’s final touchdown. Alex Orji, making his first career start at quarterback, ran for 43 yards but was non-effective in the passing attack, finishing just 7 of 12 for 32 yards.

While the Michigan defense had its struggles, it was the defense that ultimately helped keep the game close. USC struggled to mount any sort of rushing attack in the first half (totaling minus-16 yards) as the Wink Martindale-led unit got pressure on Moss, while junior cornerback Will Johnson came up with a crucial 42-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart had a big day too, totaling three tackles for loss, two sacks and four quarterback hurries. Cornerback Jyaire Hill, who had struggled in Michigan’s first three games, led the team with six tackles (one for a loss) and two pass breakups.

Play of the game: Needing a game-changing play, Kalel Mullings provided it on third-and-1 with 2:12 play. He broke through the line, spun away from an open-field tackle and was off to the races, 63 yards to help set up the game-winning score. It was Mullings’ second straight game with more than 150 yards rushing.

Up next: Michigan hosts Minnesota next Saturday, Sept. 28, the Wolverines’ fifth straight home game to start the season. Kickoff time and TV network have not been announced.

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