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.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Pretty much every college football analyst expected Michigan football to lose to USC on Saturday, but they play the games for a reason.