Michigan football coaches vowed to get back to the roots as a run-first program, after the Wolverines suffered their first regular-season loss in three years.
At least that part happened. Yes, Arkansas State is an inferior opponent, but after two weeks of a struggling rushing attack, Saturday’s ground performance was welcomed as the No. 16 Wolverines (2-1) ran more than 40 times and topped 300 yards on the ground in a 28-18 victory at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
After running for 75 yards total in its first two first halves of games, U-M rushed for 60 yards on its opening drive Saturday when Kalel Mullings plowed to the end zone for a career-long 30-yard touchdown. He finished with a career-high 153 rushing yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns.
“I watched him last year, averaged six yards a carry last year,” head coach Sherrone Moore said postgame. “Doesn’t surprise me he’s running the way he is, just needed the opportunity. He’s handled it very well. … I mean 153 yards, averaged 10 yards a carry, the guy is just a workhorse, but Donovan (Edwards) is no slouch … proud of both those guys.”
