Michigan turns heads gashing USC run defense in 1st half
Michigan is turning some heads in its Big Ten opener. It’s not just that the Wolverines notched an early double-digit lead on No. 11 USC, but how they got there.
Sherrone Moore’s team is giving Lincoln Riley’s USC squad a rude welcome to the B1G. Michigan is going ground and pound, and the USC defense can’t stop the Wolverines.
In the 1st half, Michigan ran the ball 27 times for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns. Highlights include Kalel Mullings’ 53-yard touchdown rush and Donovan Edwards’ 41-yard score.
THE MICHIGAN RUSHING ATTACK STRIKES AGAIN.
Donovan Edwards finds the end zone for @UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/ZvV5Re9fG8
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 21, 2024
SEE YA‼️
Kalel Mullings goes 53 yards to help No. 18 @UMichFootball strike first vs. No. 11 USC.#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/kvloVMD8v8
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 21, 2024
The spectacular half for the Wolverines on the ground has fans and media members talking. Some are realizing that Michigan is probably better than it looked against Texas. For Riley’s squad, the Trojans have a lot to figure out for the 2nd half Saturday and the rest of the way in its first B1G season.
Here’s a sample of what’s being said on social media:
USC should put 18 players in the box until Alex Orji shows he can be a downfield threat.
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) September 21, 2024
Texas is very good.
And we all buried Michigan too early.
Said this week the Wolverines’ season is on the line in Week 4 and they’re showing it in their Big Ten opener.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) September 21, 2024
Michigan has rushed for 178 yards on Lincoln Riley’s USC, and it’s not even close to halftime.
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) September 21, 2024
welcome to the Big Ten, Lincoln Riley — think you’ll hate it here pic.twitter.com/rPB1WscMVB
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) September 21, 2024
Michigan has 178 rushing yards. Yikes.
Can’t let a one-dimensional offense have success like that.#USC needed some offensive production and without it, Michigan can just keep running.
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) September 21, 2024
This was always going to be the style of play that suited Michigan. USC has so far let them dictate the game.
— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) September 21, 2024
This is PTSD for USC. Getting absolutely gashed on the ground. Michigan on pace for like 500 yards rushing
— James D Koh (@JamesDKoh) September 21, 2024
Michigan leads 14-3 at the half. The game is airing on CBS.