Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan (Michigan Stadium)

Score: #17 Michigan 28, Arkansas State 18

Archive: UM (2-1), Arkansas State (1-2)

Presence: 110,250

Next UM event: Saturday, September 21 — vs. USC (Michigan Stadium), 3:30 p.m. (TV: CBS)

ANN ARBOR, Michigan. — The 17th-ranked University of Michigan football team closed out its 2024 non-conference schedule with a dominant rushing performance against Arkansas State during Homecoming weekend at Michigan Stadium. In the 28-18 contest, the Wolverines recorded 301 rushing yards and allowed 58 to the Red Wolves.

The frontrunners in the UM backfield were: Kalel Mullings (15 rushes, 153 yards) and Donovan Edwards (17 rushes, 82 yards). Mullings broke three runs of 30 yards or more and scored two touchdowns, while Edwards set his own rushing mark.

Michigan’s offense accounted for 435 total yards, making 9 of 12 third-down opportunities and averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Frederick Moorewho posted a personal best of three catches and 38 receiving yards, proved instrumental to UM’s offense, catching three first-down passes and two third-down attempts in the first half.

Defensively, the Maize and Blue forced three-and-outs on four of the Red Wolves’ 11 drives and held on to conversions on 7 of the 18 third downs. Highlights included Ernst 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 mounted a methodical march downfield (11 plays, 76 yards) that saw them convert three third-down opportunities, culminating in 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 after an interception thrown by Davis Warrenmaking it 7-3 for Michigan.

UM responded with its second touchdown drive, which covered 7:37 of the second quarter and resulted in a seven-yard score by Edwards. The Michigan running back carried the ball seven times for 42 yards on the drive, adding to the team’s 176-yard rushing total in the first half.

After forcing Hausmann’s first career sack on a three-and-out, Maize and Blue extended its lead with a third rushing touchdown and Mullings’ second of the game. After throwing his second 30-yard rush of the game, the UM ball carrier extended the lead to 21-3 with 2:57 left 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 game and an intercepted pass in the end zone by Makari Paigehis second interception of his career.

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 HansenThe scoring play marked Hansen’s first career reception and touchdown.

Arkansas State added two more passing touchdowns and a two-point conversion in the remaining 5:38 of the game to make it 28-18.

UM opens Big Ten play next Saturday (Sept. 21) against 11th-ranked USC at Michigan Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on CBS.