No. 18 Michigan went nearly the entire second half without picking up a first down before its offense found an explosive gear at just the right time in a 27-24 victory over No. 11 USC. Kalel Mullings busted a 63-yard run with just over two minutes remaining to situate the Wolverines for the go-ahead score.
From there, Mullings punched it in on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 37 seconds remaining. The late touchdown spelled heartbreak for USC, which erased a 14-0 deficit and roared back to take a 24-20 lead with 7:01 remaining in the first-ever Big Ten meeting between the historical powers.
Michigan quarterback Alex Orji passed for just 32 yards in his first career start, but thanks to a series of explosive runs from his star running backs, the Wolverines survived a gamely test from the Trojans. Mullings began the scoring with a 53-yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter. Donovan Edwards added a 41-yard touchdown run in the second quarter as Michigan took a 14-3 lead into halftime.
Undeterred, USC rallied behind quarterback Miller Moss and a reinvigorated defense. But with the game on the line, the Michigan offensive line opened up a hole for Mullings, who shook loose from a host of defenders to position his team for the game-clinching score.
CBS Sports was here the entire way with updates, highlights and analysis. Read on below for more takeaways from the game.