USC Trojans Football vs Michigan Wolverines Football Match Player Stats: Breakdown
The USC Trojans and Michigan Wolverines clashed in an electrifying Big Ten showdown on September 21, 2024, at Michigan Stadium. This game marked USC’s debut in the conference, and it didn’t disappoint, ending with a nail-biting 27-24 Michigan victory. Fans from Niceville High School Football to Jackson High School Football tuned in to see how these college football giants performed. In this article, we dive deep into the player stats, highlight standout performances, and provide insights to help you understand what made this game a classic. Let’s break it down!
Why Was the USC vs. Michigan Game a Big Deal?
This matchup wasn’t just another college football game—it was a clash of titans with rich histories. USC, ranked No. 11, faced No. 18 Michigan in front of a roaring crowd in Ann Arbor. The game showcased contrasting styles: Michigan’s run-heavy, smashmouth approach versus USC’s balanced, pass-oriented offense. For fans, whether they follow Niceville High School Football or Jackson High School Football, it was a chance to see top-tier talent in action.
Featured Snippet Answer: The USC Trojans vs. Michigan Wolverines game on September 21, 2024, ended with Michigan winning 27-24, thanks to a late touchdown by Kalel Mullings.
Game Overview: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game was a rollercoaster. Michigan jumped to a 14-0 lead with their dominant ground game, but USC fought back, controlling much of the second half. A critical interception by Michigan’s Will Johnson and a clutch 89-yard drive led by Kalel Mullings sealed the deal. Let’s explore the numbers behind the players who made it happen.
Key Player Stats: USC Trojans vs. Michigan Wolverines
Below is a detailed table summarizing the standout performances from both teams, compiled from official game stats.
| Player | Team | Position | Stats |
| Kalel Mullings | Michigan | RB | 17 carries, 159 yards, 2 TDs (53-yard, 1-yard runs) |
| Donovan Edwards | Michigan | RB | 14 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD (41-yard run), 1 fumble |
| Alex Orji | Michigan | QB | 7/12 passing, 32 yards, 13 carries, 43 yards |
| Will Johnson | Michigan | DB | 1 interception, 42-yard TD return |
| Josaiah Stewart | Michigan | EDGE | 1 sack, multiple pressures on QB |
| Miller Moss | USC | QB | 28/51 passing, 283 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT |
| Woody Marks | USC | RB | 13 carries, 100 yards, 1 fumble recovery |
| Jay Fair | USC | WR | 1 reception, 16 yards, 1 TD |
| Duce Robinson | USC | WR | 1 reception, 9 yards, 1 TD |
| Zachariah Branch | USC | WR | 5 receptions, 52 yards |
Source: ESPN, The Athletic, and USA TODAY game recaps.
Michigan’s Ground Game Dominance
Michigan leaned heavily on their running backs, racking up 290 rushing yards. Kalel Mullings was the star, earning a career-high 159 yards and two touchdowns. His 53-yard scamper in the first quarter set the tone, and his 1-yard plunge on fourth-and-goal with 37 seconds left won the game. Donovan Edwards chipped in with a 41-yard touchdown run, though a fumble nearly cost them. For high school players at Niceville High School Football, Mullings’ physicality is a model for breaking tackles.
USC’s Air Attack
USC’s offense revolved around quarterback Miller Moss, who threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Despite a pick-six to Will Johnson, Moss showed poise, connecting with Duce Robinson and Jay Fair for scores. Woody Marks added balance with 100 rushing yards, proving USC could compete in the trenches. Jackson High School Football fans would appreciate Moss’s ability to read defenses, a skill young QBs should emulate.
Who Were the Standout Performers?
Kalel Mullings: The Game-Changer
Mullings, a former linebacker, was unstoppable. His 63-yard run in the final drive flipped the game’s momentum, setting up his game-winning score. His stats—17 carries, 159 yards, 2 TDs—tell only part of the story. His toughness inspired Michigan’s offensive line to dominate late.
Tip for Fans: Watch Mullings’ film to see how he uses vision and burst to exploit gaps—perfect for aspiring running backs.
Miller Moss: A Gritty Effort
Moss’s 28 completions included clutch throws under pressure. His three touchdowns kept USC in the game, but the interception returned for a touchdown was a turning point. Still, his 283 yards showed why he’s a rising star.
Tip for Fans: Study Moss’s footwork in the pocket—high school QBs can learn how to stay calm against a fierce pass rush.
Will Johnson: Defensive Hero
Johnson’s pick-six in the third quarter swung momentum back to Michigan. His 42-yard return was the Wolverines’ only second-half score until the final minute. Unfortunately, an injury limited his time later.
How Did the Game Impact Team Rankings?
Michigan’s upset victory boosted their record to 3-1, extending their Big Ten win streak to 26 games. They likely climbed in the AP Top 25, rewarding their resilience. USC, now 2-1, faced questions about their run defence but showed they could hang with elite teams. For fans of Niceville High School Football and Jackson High School Football, this game highlighted how one play can shift a season.
Featured Snippet Answer: Michigan improved to 3-1, while USC fell to 2-1 after their September 21, 2024, game.
What Can We Learn from the Stats?
The numbers reveal key lessons:
- Run Game Matters: Michigan’s 290 rushing yards overwhelmed USC’s defense, which allowed -16 rushing yards in the first half.
- Turnovers Are Costly: Moss’s interception and Edwards’ fumble nearly changed the outcome.
- Clutch Plays Win Games: Mullings’ late runs and Johnson’s pick-six were difference-makers.
Practical Tip: High school coaches can use this game to teach players about finishing drives and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes.
How Do USC and Michigan Compare Historically?
USC leads the all-time series 6-5, with most games in the Rose Bowl. Their last meeting before 2024 was in 2007, a 32-18 USC win. Michigan’s victory snapped USC’s three-game streak, adding fuel to this growing rivalry. For fans following Niceville High School Football or Jackson High School Football, it’s a reminder that tradition fuels passion in college football.
LSI Keywords: USC Trojans history, Michigan Wolverines rivalry, college football legacy.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Michigan hosts Minnesota next, aiming to build on their momentum. USC faces Wisconsin at home, looking to shore up their run defense. Both teams have playoff aspirations, and this game showed they’re close to elite status.
Voice Search Question: What are the next games for USC and Michigan after their 2024 matchup?
Answer: Michigan plays Minnesota, and USC hosts Wisconsin on September 28, 2024.
Engaging with the Game Beyond Stats
For fans, this game wasn’t just about numbers—it was about heart. Michigan’s student section roared as Mullings broke free, while USC’s Spirit of Troy band kept spirits high despite the loss. Whether you’re cheering for Niceville High School Football or Jackson High School Football, moments like these inspire young athletes to dream big.
Fun Fact: Michigan’s 32 passing yards were their fewest since 1987, proving you don’t always need a big air game to win.
Tips for Fans and Players
- Watch Game Film: Study Michigan’s jumbo package on the goal line to understand power football.
- Track Key Players: Follow Mullings and Moss on social media for updates on their seasons.
- Attend Local Games: Support high school teams like Niceville High School Football to feel the same passion.
Conclusion
The USC Trojans vs. Michigan Wolverines matchup on September 21, 2024, was a masterclass in college football drama. Kalel Mullings’ heroics, Miller Moss’s resilience, and Will Johnson’s game-changing pick-six gave fans a show worth watching. From Niceville High School Football to Jackson High School Football, this game reminded us why we love the sport: it’s about moments that spark joy and inspire the next generation. As both teams move forward, their stats and stories will fuel debates and dreams.
