U-M Dominates Ground Game in Victory Over Arkansas State

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Michigan Stadium)

Score: #17 Michigan 28, Arkansas State 18

Records: U-M (2-1), Arkansas State (1-2)

Attendance: 110,250

Next U-M Event: Saturday, Sept. 21 — vs. USC (Michigan Stadium), 3:30 p.m. (TV: CBS)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The No. 17-ranked University of Michigan football team concluded its 2024 non-conference schedule with a dominating rushing performance against Arkansas State during Homecoming weekend at Michigan Stadium. In the 28-18 contest, the Wolverines posted 301 rushing yards and allowed 58 to the Red Wolves.

Leading the way in the U-M backfield were Kalel Mullings (15 rushes, 153 yards) and Donovan Edwards (17 rushes, 82 yards). Mullings broke off three runs of 30 yards or more and scored two touchdowns, while Edwards posted a rushing score of his own.

The Michigan offense combined for 435 total yards, were 9-of-12 on third-down opportunities and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Fredrick Moore, who set career highs of three catches and 38 receiving yards, proved important to the U-M offense, catching three first-down passes and two on third-down tries in the first half.

Defensively, the Maize and Blue forced three-and-outs on four-of-11 Red Wolves drives and held them to conversions on 7-of-18 third downs. Highlighting were Ernest Hausmann (seven tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss) and Will Johnson (four tackles, one TFL, one pass breakup).

After forcing a turnover on downs following a missed field goal on the Red Wolves’ first offensive drive, the Wolverines put together a methodical march downfield (11 plays, 76 yards) in which they converted on three third-down opportunities. This led to a 30-yard touchdown run by Mullings on a stretch play to the right of the offensive line for his first score of the season.

Arkansas State found the scoreboard on a 27-yard field goal following an interception thrown by Davis Warren, bringing the score to a 7-3 Michigan advantage.

U-M responded with its second touchdown drive, spanning 7:37 of second quarter and resulting in a seven-yard Edwards score. The Michigan running back toted the ball seven times for 42 yards on the drive, contributing to the team’s 176-yard first half rushing total.

After forcing a three-and-out on Hausmann’s first career sack, the Maize and Blue extended its lead with a third rushing touchdown and second of the game for Mullings. After legging out his second 30-yard rush of the game, the U-M ball carrier extended the lead to 21-3 with 2:57 remaining in the first half with a five-yard touchdown run.

After the teams traded punts to open the second half, Michigan and Arkansas State traded turnovers — Warren’s third interception of the contest and a picked-off pass in the end zone by Makari Paige, his second career interception.

This set the Wolverines up for a nine-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to open the fourth quarter. Mullings posted a 38-yard rush to set up a nine-yard touchdown connection between Alex Orji and Hogan Hansen. The scoring play marked Hansen’s first career reception and touchdown.

Arkansas State added a pair of passing touchdowns and a two-point conversion within the remaining 5:38 of the contest to close the game’s 28-18 final tally.

U-M will begin Big Ten play next Saturday (Sept. 21) against No. 11-ranked USC at Michigan Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff and will be broadcast live on CBS.