Insane stats from Michigan's win over USC

Chris Breiler | Sep 22, 2024

running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates a touchdown against USC with running back Donovan Edwards (7) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines entered Saturday's matchup with No. 11 USC intent on imposing their will, and that's exactly what they did. Michigan's physical brand of football that seemed to be missing through the first three weeks of the season came roaring back when the Wolverines needed it most, and it led to a 27-24 victory to open conference play.

Here are five noteworthy stats from Saturday's win

1. The offense accounted for just 32 yards through the air, the fewest passing yards for Michigan since 1987.

Michigan quarterback Alex Orji (10) runs against USC during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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2. Michigan held USC to -16 rushing yards in the first half. That's the lowest amount allowed since hosting UNLV last season (-16)

Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) celebrates a tackle against USC during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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3. Defensive back Will Johnson became the first player in program history with more than two career interceptions returned for touchdowns. Johnson's 42-yard return is the ninth interception of his career. He returned an 86-yard interception for a touchdown earlier in the season against Fresno State and returned a pick 36 yards for the score at Minnesota in 2023.

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates a touchdown after intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss (7) 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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4. Michigan's 199 rushing yards in the first half were the most allowed by a Lincoln Riley-coached USC team, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) runs for a touchdown 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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5. Kalel Mullings is Michigan's first rusher to go over 150 yards in consecutive weeks since Donovan Edwards eclipsed that mark in consecutive weeks (at Ohio State, vs. Purdue) at the end of the 2022 season. It was also the first time that multiple U-M backs scored on runs of 40-plus yards in the same game since 2022 against Penn State (Edwards 67-yard TD run, Corum 61-yard TD run).

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) runs against USC linebacker Mason Cobb (13) 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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