Could Michigan keep up with USC if it couldn’t pass? As the climax of Michigan football’s victory Saturday neared, a nervous crowd found the answer.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan football defeated the USC Trojans 27-24 at the Big House Saturday to open Big Ten conference play. The Wolverines, fresh off a win over Arkansas State that saw their run game finally find its footing after lackluster performances against Texas and Fresno State,

No. 18 Michigan inflicted a pair of significant blows in the first half against No. 11 USC on Saturday, taking a 14-3 lead into the break behind stingy defense and explosiveness in its run game. Kalel Mullings busted a 53-yard touchdown run on the Wolverines' third possession to open the scoring after the teams traded early punts.

It went down to the wire, but Michigan pulled the upset over USC on Saturday. Here are some players who stood out.

The senior running back turned in a career day for a second straight week, rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-24 win over No. 11 USC to open Big Ten play on Saturday. Michigan improves to 3-1 to start the season under new coach Sherrone Moore.

Here's a look at social media reactions to Michigan defeating USC football, despite having just 32 passing yards from quarterback Alex Orji:

Physicality had been an emphasis in practice over the last week. And so was situational football. After Michigan’s offense struggled to move the chains and generate much offense during the second half of its 27-24 win over No.