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.

"We know (teams are going to stack the box) but we have to run the ball anyway," Mullings said. "It feels great to be able to do that and dominate."

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.