ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Kalel Mullings is an early season hero for Michigan running in the winning touchdown with 37 seconds left in the game to upset Southern California, 27-24. With just over three minutes left in the game, Mullings ran the ball eight times ending in the one-yard touchdown run for the win on fourth-and-goal.

“That’s a representation of who we are. Just grit and grinding up … grinding meat the whole time,” said Mullings.

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Michigan threw the ball for just 32 yards while rushing for 290 yards as Mullings had 159 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. Donovan Edwards added 74 yards and one touchdown.

Down 24-20 with five minutes to go in the game, Michigan’s defense forced a three-and-out for USC getting the ball back. Michigan took over at their 11-yard line and grinded their way down the field. Ten plays later, Mullings put and end to any suggestions that Michigan wasn’t ready to defend their championship.

“A will to not give in,” said head coach Sherrone Moore. “A will to want it more than them. To want it more than the man who’s trying to tackle him. The guys responded. So proud of what they did and how they played.”

These two teams met for the first time in Ann Arbor since the mid-1950s and only the third time in the regular season.

The win puts any doubts of where Michigan stands this season after a slow start and now is 1-0 in the Big Ten.