Michigan hammers Northwestern to become bowl eligible

Field Level Media|published: Sat 23rd November, 19:22 2024

Nov 23, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings (20) runs the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Kalel Mullings rushed for three touchdowns and Michigan scored 40 straight in a 50-6 victory over visiting Northwestern on Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Wolverines (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) became bowl eligible and won for just the second time in six games with the Senior Day victory.

Sparked by its defense, Michigan dominated after Northwestern (4-7, 2-6) pulled within four points, 10-6, late in the second quarter.

Quarterback Davis Warren connected with Colston Loveland for a 3-yard TD toss to cap an 11-play, 65-yard drive eight seconds before halftime for a 17-6 lead. The Wolverines then outscored the Wildcats 33-0 in the second half.

Michigan gained 396 yards to Northwestern's 127 and won the first-down battle 25-8.

Warren completed 26 of 35 passes for 195 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while Mullings carried the ball 12 times for 92 of Michigan's 201 rushing yards.

Aamir Hall put Michigan in a great position after making an interception to end Northwestern's opening drive.

Eleven plays later, Mullings punched the ball into the end zone on a 2-yard TD run for the first score.

Dominic Zvada booted a 56-yard field goal on the Wolverines' next possession to increase the lead to 10-0.

Northwestern responded with its own field goal - a 28-yarder by Luke Akers - after Xander Mueller picked off a pass in Michigan territory.

Both teams added to their scores in the final two minutes of the first half. Akers made another chip-shot field goal with 1:57 remaining to make it a four-point game. Warren then led the Wolverines on an 11-play, 65-yard scoring drive with eight seconds on the clock to make it 17-6 for Michigan.

The Wolverines opened the second half strong, picking up a pair of touchdown runs by Mullings for a commanding 31-6 lead.

Donovan Edwards and Tavierre Dunlap each scored 20-yard rushing touchdowns, Zvada kicked another field goal and the Wolverines notched a safety in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Jack Lausch tossed for 106 yards and two interceptions on 10-of-21 passing for Northwestern, which needed a win to remain bowl eligible.

--Field Level Media