Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

Controversy in Ann Arbor? Questionable spot leads to early TD drive for Michigan

Cory Nightingale

By Cory Nightingale

Published:

Sometimes, it’s the little things that can add up in a college football game. Take Saturday’s Big Ten showdown in Ann Arbor between 11th-ranked USC and 18th-ranked Michigan, for instance.

With about 4 minutes to go in the 1st quarter of the much-anticipated Big Ten opener for both teams, Michigan went for it on 4th-and-1 at its own 46-yard line, looking to get some early momentum.

The Wolverines ran the ball up the middle with senior Kalel Mullings, who got just enough yardage for the 1st down to keep the drive alive and make the early gamble work.

Or did he? The call on the field was a 1st down, and although the spot looked borderline at best, it wasn’t reviewed and Michigan kept possession.

The spot ended up being very important, too, because guess what ended up happening on the very next play?

Michigan handed the ball off again to Mullings, who this time rumbled for 53 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 Wolverines lead with 3:10 left in the 1st quarter.

So the spot on that innocent little 4th-and-1 play in the 1st quarter ended up setting the tone for Michigan, which added a touchdown in the 2nd quarter for a 14-0 lead.

Sure, USC has plenty of time to get back in the game, but that 1 spot could end up opening the door for a big Michigan victory.

Cory Nightingale