What went down at the Big House
College football fans, we all know how exciting a game can be when unexpected moments happen on the field, and that’s exactly what went down at the Big House when Michigan pulled off a thrilling win over No. 11 USC. This wasn’t just a lucky break—it was a combination of grit, standout performances, and some impressive stats that turned the tide in Michigan’s favor.
Instead of focusing on winners and losers, let’s dive into the key takeaways and stats that made this game so much fun to watch!
what went down at the Big House
Kalel Mullings: Michigan’s Workhorse
Michigan’s offense found its rhythm in the legs of Kalel Mullings. He wasn’t just carrying the ball—he was carrying the team. With 17 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns, Mullings showed that Michigan’s run game is alive and well. His ability to break through tackles and keep the momentum going was nothing short of impressive.
Fun fact: Mullings averaged over 9 yards per carry! That’s the kind of production that makes any defense nervous. And it’s clear that Michigan will continue leaning on him for those big chunk plays as they face tougher competition down the stretch.
Passing Game Struggles
Now, the passing game? Well, there’s room for improvement. Quarterback Alex Orji completed 7-of-12 passes for only 32 yards. While Michigan got the win, they averaged just 2.7 yards per pass attempt—numbers that make it tough to keep drives alive. Orji didn’t turn the ball over, but it’s clear the Wolverines need more downfield threats to really open things up.
Here’s a stat for you: Michigan was just 4-of-15 on third down conversions. That’s where the passing game needs to step up, especially in key situations. With targets like Colston Loveland out, the offense will need others to rise to the occasion, particularly on crucial downs.
Defensive Powerhouse: Josaiah Stewart
On the defensive side, Josaiah Stewart was a force to be reckoned with. Stewart was constantly in USC’s backfield, recording two sacks, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and four quarterback hurries. That’s the kind of disruptive energy that sets the tone for an entire defense.
Stewart wasn’t just making plays—he was putting USC quarterback Miller Moss under constant pressure, forcing quick decisions and keeping the Trojans off-balance. When you look at Michigan’s defense as a whole, Stewart’s performance was the heartbeat of a unit that is quickly proving to be one of the best in the country.
Turnover Drama
Michigan did better this week when it came to turnovers, but they still lost the turnover battle. Despite Kenneth Grant’s big play in recovering a fumble, USC managed to get the ball back shortly after and scored a touchdown two plays later. Ouch.
The other key turnover came late in the game when Donovan Edwards fumbled, giving USC a short field to work with. Unfortunately, USC capitalized and scored a go-ahead touchdown. Michigan gave up 14 points off turnovers—a tough pill to swallow in such a close game. It didn’t cost them this time, but cleaning up those fumbles will be crucial moving forward.
Will Johnson: The Game-Changer
Michigan’s secondary deserves a lot of credit for sealing the deal, especially Will Johnson. His pick-six late in the third quarter was a game-changer. That interception return put the Wolverines up 20-10 and gave the team the breathing room they needed to close things out.
A cool stat: Johnson now holds the record for the most pick-sixes in Michigan history. That’s a player who steps up when the team needs him most.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s win over USC was all about making key plays when it mattered most. Whether it was Mullings’ monster day on the ground or Stewart wreaking havoc on defense, the Wolverines showed they can compete with top teams, even if there are areas to improve.
As the season rolls on, Michigan fans should feel good about this win, but also keep an eye on how the passing game develops and whether the team can tighten up those turnover issues. With more big games ahead, the Wolverines will need to be firing on all cylinders.
Stay tuned, college football fans—this season is just getting started!