Kalel Mullings had a career day in a season-defining win in the Big House on Saturday. The physicality of the offensive line was on full display as they out-hustled an improved USC defense. It geared a relentless Michigan football rushing performance that made USC tap out. The win changes the trajectory of the season from what we've seen in the opening month of the schedule.
Here are three of the overreactions from Saturday's classic win.
1. Colston Loveland would have made a bigger difference by playing
Having your primary option in the passing game healthy could have sparked the play of Alex Orji, but it's not like Orji would have thrown for over 150 yards or more. Maybe they would have taken more middle of the field shots past 10 or 15 yards, but USC's defense probably would have double-teamed him anyways. That makes this an overreaction.
Loveland would have gotten Orji out of some bad situations where he took a sack or passed it instead of running for his life. To win the game without Loveland and only pass it for 32 yards is still surprising nonetheless. Thankfully Michigan football doesn't have to face a defense like that every week and once Loveland returns the passing game should grow, but at a slow pace.
Orji and the offense cannot live without their All-American tight end. Marlin Klein and the rest of the backups are still don't seem ready for the spotlight yet.
2. The offense can win weekly without having to pass it much
As true as this statement turned out to be on Saturday, it's just not sustainable. That makes this an obvious overreaction. Michigan's offense will have to gain third downs, move the ball down the field, and ultimately win games through the air. You simply can't expect to line up every week and pound it down the middle of the opponent's defense every play. Coordinators will adjust.
Alex Orji did not have his security blanket out there and was very protective of the football. A win like that can only do wonders for his confidence though. Over time he'll learn to trust his arm and throw it instead of running it more. Plus he proved, to an extent, that he can throw a good ball when a pass play is called. That's a small positive that he can expand on, but still left a lot to be desired.
Orji's presence did ignite the run game as most expected. That's a refreshing sign when you can do it against a playoff caliber program too. The goal now should be to strengthen the passing game as much as possible every week. Baby steps and patience will be a virtue as long as the Wolverines keep winning.
3. The secondary can survive without Will Johnson
It was nice to know that the defensive backfield came up with the stops when they needed too. To do it without their best player on the field was transforming to say the least. Jyaire Hill stepped up and made some plays, which is huge for his future at the position. Aamir Hall did some good things and was bailed out on a pass interference call thanks to Quinten Johnson getting his fingertips on a trick play before the half.
Miller Moss didn't test Will Johnson like Arkansas State did a week ago. Johnson was sitting on the pass from Moss to take it home for history. He now stands alone in rarified air and has to be included in the same conversation as Charles Woodson. That's a record that even he couldn't accomplish during his time in a maize and blue uniform.
Johnson could have returned, but it's kind of a good thing that he didn't in my opinion. It gave the other corners a chance to prove themselves. This is where playing them in the opener paid off for the staff. They stood their ground against some of the most athletic receivers that they will see until November.