Observations on the win over USC, 27-24
Michigan one red zone late in the 4th quarter for 7 points; USC gained 17 points off 5 red zones. USC scored 14 points off 2 Wolverine turnovers while Michigan scored 6 points off 2 Trojan turnovers. Both teams had 5 "3 and outs" each.
Offense gained 322 total yards with 290 on the ground; they had 12 first downs, and were 7 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Kalel Mullings was simply incredbile!!! Mullings ran 17 times for 159 yards and 2 TDs; he also caught a pass for 2 yards. When it looked like the Wolverines would lose the game, Mullings took off on a 63 yard run on a 3rd and 1 with 2:21 left in the game with several broken tackles in the process; it set up their only red zone of the game. Alex Orji ran 13 times for 43 yards, and completed 7 of 12 passes for 32 yards; he was sacked twice. Donovan Edwards ran 14 times for 74 yards and a TD; he also caught a 9 yard pass, but fumbled in the red zone giving USC the lead in the 4th quarter. Freddy Moore ran an end around for 15 yards, and had 5 yard reception; he also made a tackle. Marlin Klein caught a pass for 10 yards. Semaj Morgan caught 3 passes for 6 yards. Eric Gentry led the Trojans with 12 tackles.
USC gained 379 net yards with 96 on the ground; they had 17 first downs, and were 7 of 20 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Miller Moss hit 28 of 51 for 283 yards, and 3 TDs; he also threw an interception to Will Johnson for a TD, and was sacked 4 times. The Wolverines had 10 quarterback hits on Moss. Dangerous Zachariah Branch had 6 receptions for 98 yards. Jay Fair had 3 receptions for 42 yards and a TD. Woody Marks had 5 receptions for 40 yards, and stole a fumble return from Kenneth Grant to set up their go-ahead TD. Ja'Kobi Lane had 4 receptions for 50 yards and a TD. Duce Robinson had 2 catches for 19 yards and a TD. Ernest Hausmann and Mason Graham led the Wolverines with 3 tackles each. Jyaire Hill made some spectacular plays, and led the Wolverines with 6 tackles with 2 pass break ups. Mason Graham also had 6 tackles including a sack. Josaiah Stewart was also phenomenal; he had 3 tackles including 2 sacks plus 4 quarterback hits on Moss, and he forced the fumble that Grant scooped up and lost to Woody Marks. Zeke Berry, Ernest Hausmann, and Quentin Johnson all had 5 tackles each.
Tommy Doman was spectacular with 8 punts for 49.1 yard average with 4 downed inside the 20; he also had 5 kickoffs with 3 touchbacks. We forced 7 Trojan punts, and definitely won the battle of field position. A muffed extra point was the biggest problem on the day for the Special Teams units. It was good to have Joe Taylor back after recovering from injury.
We were very prepared for this game! Kudos to Sherrone Moore! Also, Moore stuck with the game plan to run on the final drive rather than bringing in Davis Warren to attempt to pass down the field, and it paid off thanks to Mullings. Surprisingly, USC had two weeks to prepare for this game, and their preparation didn't show until the second half. What a Game!!! Bring on the Gophers! Go Blue!
