Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from climatic win over USC

It took some time for Alex Orji and the Michigan football offense to find the end zone on Saturday. On the third drive after a questionable spot that was not reviewed on fourth down, Kalel Mullings broke loose.

The senior running back went basically untouched for 53 yards to seize the lead on the scoreboard. Donovan Edwards got in the act on the next drive and Michigan football was in business up 14-0. USC got three before intermission and it was Michigan's most proficient played half of the season thus far.

USC got the rock to start the third and drove the length of the field to cut the deficit to four. Then on the ensuing USC drive Will Johnson stepped in front of Zachariah Branch and became the all-time leader in pick sixes in Michigan football history. He would later leave the field and coach Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore said in his postgame presser that he could have returned.

USC didn't flinch and scored again following a pass that was intercepted by Kenneth Grant. Miller Moss was hit as he threw it and Grant was returning it the other way when Woody Marks pulled a Maurice Clarett and stole the ball away from him like he did in the 2003 Fiesta bowl. The Trojans scored abruptly to get back within a field goal due to the blocked extra point. The receiver was wide open because of a costly coverage mistake.

USC took control when Edwards fumbled inside the red zone. Makari Paige was a step to late and Moss found his wideout open for six. Michigan football had one last chance and that's when Mullings broke free for a 63-yard run to the USC redzone.

Later on with the game on the line on fourth and goal from the two Mullings found a small crease to work through and the maize and blue went on top in the final minute. They didn't relinquish this lead.

Here are three takeaways from the incredible victory.