Coaches Poll: Michigan football climbs rankings after upsetting USC

The Wolverines are trending back up following a big win over the Trojans...

Matt Lounsberry | 2 Hours Ago

Michigan linebacker Jack MacKinnon (39) celebrates a play against USC during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

After slipping in the rankings following a loss to Texas and a closer-than-expected win over Arkansas State, Michigan football is trending back up following their 27-24 upset win over USC on Saturday evening in Ann Arbor.

In the Week 5 update to the US LBM Coaches Poll, the Wolverines jumped five spots back to No. 12 in the latest ranking, tied for the second-largest jump in the poll this week. Here's how the rankings shook out...

US LBM Coaches Poll — Week 5

1.) Georgia
2.) Texas
3.) Ohio State
4.) Alabama
5.) Ole Miss
6.) Tennessee
7.) Oregon
8.) Penn State
9.) Miami
10.) Utah
11.) Missouri
12.) Michigan
13.) LSU
14.) Notre Dame
15.) Clemson
16.) USC
17.) Louisville
18.) Oklahoma
19.) Iowa State
20.) Oklahoma State
21.) Illinois
22.) BYU
23.) UNLV
24.) Texas A&M
25.) Kansas State

Offensively, Michigan was led by fifth-year senior running back Kalel Mullings, who ran for 159 yards on 17 carries (9.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. Mullings' one-yard score with 37 seconds remaining in the game put the Wolverines ahead for good. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Alex Orji made his first career start, completing 7-of-12 pass attempts for 32 yards, and adding 43 yards rushing on 13 carries. Senior tailback Donovan Edwards had 74 yards on 14 attempts, including a 41-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Defensively, the Wolverines were on the receiving end of a dynamite play from junior cornerback Will Johnson, who intercepted USC quarterback Miller Moss and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown. It was the third career pick-six of Johnson's career, the most ever by a Wolverine. Michigan's defensive line also had its best game of the season, led by senior end Josaiah Stewart (four tackles, three TFLs, two sacks) and junior tackle Mason Graham (six tackles, TFL).

Michigan now turns its attention to Minnesota, in the 106th rendition of one of the oldest rivalries in college football. Kickoff between the Wolverines and Golden Gophers is set for Noon ET on Saturday, Sept. 28 with FOX carrying the broadcast.

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