The Michigan football team has undergone some personnel changes since the first week of play which could bring more production.
Among the changes, quarterback Alex Orji will be taking over and running back Kalel Mullings is expected to be the featured back.
The Wolverines came into the 2024 season with former walk-on quarterback Davis Warren starting alongside running back Donovan Edwards. Warren and Edwards have both struggled, with Warren hitting the bench against Arkansas State and Edwards failing to fully produce thus far.
While Orji starting at quarterback will be interesting, perhaps the more beneficial change will be the Wolverines riding the hot hand with Mullings. The running back recorded 153-yards rushing on 15 carries and added two touchdowns as well. Edwards actually had more carries than Mullings with 17, but averaged 4.8-yards per carry while Mullings averaged 10.2-yards per carry.
Edwards does not necessarily have the same speed as Mullings and provides a powerful look. However, it has not been as effective as the style of Mullings has been this season through three games. The former third-string running back has already matched his carrying total from last season and surpassed his yardage total.
Mullings had a slow start to the season himself until he broke out last game against Arkansas State, and now likely will be the key to beating USC.
Michigan Football, Running Back Kalel Mullings Expecting Tough Game Against USC
While USC has looked excellent this season, that does not mean they have looked flawless or perfect by any means.
For the first time ever, the Trojans are a member of the Big Ten Conference and will now be a much more valuable win for the Michigan football team.
The Trojans have played two games this season and while the focus has been placed upon quarterback Miller Moss, running back Woody Marks has also been exceptional. The Trojans have an offense that can break off a 70-yard score, or beat a defense down with long 12 play drives that seem to never end. The efficiency of the Trojans offense in particular is exceptional as they consistently find ways to move the ball.
Michigan has not displayed the best defense they can this season, which is why they will have to rely on the offense against the Trojans.
Garrett Nussmeier is a baller man! NFL abilities and he is mentally tough as nails. That was a big drive to cut the lead to 8.
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) September 14, 2024
USC has a rather stellar defense from position group to position group, but one thing has stood out thus far into the season. The Trojans have allowed Utah State and LSU to run on their defense, combining for just over 200-yards but no scores. LSU is an anomaly as quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has success passing against every defense, but two of the biggest plays of the game for LSU came on the ground.
Out of the four biggest plays the USC defense has allowed this season, three of those were 18-plus yard gains on the ground. Enter Kalel Mullings, and the Michigan Wolverines could run through USC with an average of 7.5-yards per carry.
Mullings is an explosive back and while he may get stuffed a few times, feeding his dynamic run style the football is going to be key to beating the USC Trojans.
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