Sherrone Moore on Kalel Mullings: 'He's a star'

Chris Breiler | Sep 22, 2024

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings warms up before the USC game at Michigan Stadium. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines pummeled their way to victory over the No. 11 USC Trojans on Saturday, winning by a score of 27-24. While the Michigan defense was putting significant pressure on USC QB Miller Moss for a better part of the afternoon, the Michigan offense did almost all of its damage on the ground. In fact, the Wolverines rushed for 290 yards and threw for just 32 yards, the fewest passing yards Michigan has put up in a football game since 1987. While the lack of a passing attack raised some eyebrows, head coach Sherrone Moore said it was a "dream" to watch the Michigan offense dominate on the ground.

"Well that’s my dream to see it," Moore said after the game. "And, yeah, I want to throw the ball, but when you can run the ball effectively, it kind of breaks you down a little bit. And for us, our guys, the look in their eyes this week, how they prepared, how they practiced. We adjusted some things in practice to make it a little more competitive, more physical. And the guys responded, and they loved it. They loved it. They really took it to heart. And I think the O-line...I’m so proud of that, because I’m so hard on them, but so proud of what they did and how they played today."

running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates a touchdown against USC with teammates during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Once again, it was veteran running back Kalel Mullings leading the way. Mullings led all rushers on the afternoon with 159 yards and two touchdowns on 17 attempts, good for 9.4 yards per carry. On the final offensive drive of the game, Mullings ran for 84 yards and scored the game winning touchdown on a 1-yard TD run. Following the win, Moore couldn't say enough good things about Mullings and his impact on this season so far.

"Right now, I think he’s averaging like eight yards a carry on the season," Moore said. "And he can take it the distance. He showed he can run you over. He’s just done everything for us. He’s a great pass protector. He’s been incredible. Last year, he averaged six yards a carry. So it’s not a surprise how good he is and what he’s done. But to see him take the next steps and really make those explosive plays, and when the game’s on the line, he wants the ball in his hands, and he made plays happen. So yeah, he’s a star. He’s a game breaker."

Michigan quarterback Alex Orji (10), left, hugs running back Kalel Mullings (20) after 27-24 win over USC at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

When asked if Mullings has established himself as the feature back, Moore made sure to point out that Donovan Edwards also had a big impact on the game. But when looking at the total body of work through four weeks, Moore also admitted that Mullings has shown he's the No. 1 guy right now.

"Donovan, before the fumble he broke out for an electric 46-yard run. So we’re gonna use both those guys," Moore said. "We’re gonna need more guys. It’s just how it is in college football, especially with how long the season can go. Kalel obviously played a heck of a game, so we’ll just keep using him how we need to. And Kalel obviously showed that he could be... should be the number one guy. So we’ll use both of them. They’ll both play a tremendous amount, but Kalel obviously had a heck of a game.

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