Michigan 27, USC 24

TLDR: In a thrilling conference debut, Michigan overcame Southern California 27-24, thanks to Kalel Mullings’ late touchdown. Michigan initially led 14-0 but USC fought back, even taking a 24-20 lead in the fourth quarter with Miller Moss throwing three touchdowns. The Wolverines kept their composure, embarking on a 10-play, 89-yard drive, culminating in Mullings’ decisive score with just 37 seconds left. Michigan’s defense shone with interceptions, one returned by Will Johnson for a crucial score. Coupled with career-high performances from Mullings and others, Michigan extended its Big Ten winning streak to 26 games. USC may adjust poll placements, but they’ll bounce back, hosting Wisconsin next, while Michigan aims to continue its streak hosting Minnesota.

Oh my goodness, folks! What a game that was! Michigan knows how to welcome teams to the Big Ten with flair, and they did just that with a nail-biting win over Southern California. Kalel Mullings was the man of the hour, securing a 2-yard touchdown with 37 seconds left in the game. Imagine the scene—an 18th-ranked Michigan beating the 11th-ranked USC by a tight 27-24 in their conference debut! Talk about an intense matchup!

Michigan, sitting at a 3-1 record, had us on the edge of our seats as they weathered losing a 14-0 lead early on. Despite a couple of fumbles, they showed character and grit to break their own Big Ten streak, stretching it to an impressive 26 victories. Mullings didn’t just drive a truck through USC’s defense, he bulldozed with a big-hearted spirit on a touchdown drive that charged down 89 yards in ten plays.

Now here’s a fun fact: Michigan and USC have quite the history, with previous face-offs, primarily in Rose Bowls, happening way back, with no regular season meeting since 1958. This historic match-up didn’t disappoint as the Trojans took charge briefly, thanks to Miller Moss’s third TD pass in the fourth quarter, which had all of us biting our nails. Moss really put up a show with 283 yards despite a pick-6 snagged by Michigan’s Will Johnson that turned the tide.

And did you catch Kalel Mullings race down 63 yards and finalize his bulldozing performance with his second touchdown? Oh, dear! That fullback jumbo package was something—definitely not your old backyard game call. He ended with a career-best 159 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Moss was trying all he could with a spectacular last-minute approach but came up short on a crucial fourth-down play.

USC, folks, didn’t leave without some spectacle either. Moss’s jaw-dropping performance could only be overshadowed by the steal by Woody Marks that nearly turned the game. Comebacks happen when you least expect them though, and Marks’ epic 100-yard rush added layers to the excitement of this classic match-up.

Embrace the chaos, as this game showed that football is much more than just a scoreline—it’s an emotional rollercoaster! And I must say, Coach Lincoln Riley nailed it when he described this game as a true back-and-forth battle. Harbaugh’s successor, Moore, should be brimming with pride over Michigan’s resilience.

Looking ahead, USC heads home to face Wisconsin hoping to bounce back, while Michigan holds the fort against Minnesota, ready to keep the momentum going in what promises to be a thrilling game. Until then, let’s bask in the aftermath of this unforgettable game!