Michigan beats Arkansas State to close out nonconference slate

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Wolverines closed out the nonconference portion of their schedule with a 28-18 win over Arkansas State on Saturday to move to 2-1 on the year. It was arguably an effort that left more questions than answers on offense.

The run game got back on track thanks to big days from Kalel Mullings (15 carries, 153 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Donovan Edwards (17 carries, 82 yards, TD). That performance on the ground was much needed, with the team looking to reestablish its identity. The passing game, however, did not hold up its end of the bargain.

Davis Warren threw 3 interceptions in the game, leading to a second-half benching that gave way to Alex Orji taking over in the third quarter. After going up 21-3 in the first half, the offense fizzled out late and its quarterback situation is unsettled heading into the USC game Sept. 21.

Here is the recap of how Saturday’s game went down.

First quarter

Michigan won the toss and deferred, starting the game on defense. Arkansas State was able to stay on the field for 13 plays and drive 51 yards thanks to some third-down conversions and untimely penalties. Instead of going for it on fourth-and-1 from the Michigan 24-yard line, ASU kicked a 41-yard field goal that bounced off the right upright. U-M took over at the 24 with 9:02 on the clock. The Wolverines followed it up with an 11-play, 76-yard drive, capped off by a 30-yard touchdown run by graduate running back Kalel Mullings, his first of the season and the longest of his career. U-M led 7-0 after the extra point (2:23).

KALEL MULLINGS TO THE HOUSE!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/ZwvIzwnXXS

— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) September 14, 2024

Arkansas State came back with a three-and-out on offense, punting away to Michigan down to the 22-yard line with 1:41 to go in the quarter. Warren threw an ill-advised interception on the drive, giving the Red Wolves the ball back on the U-M 9-yard line right before the quarter expired.

Michigan 7, Arkansas State 0

Second quarter

The Michigan defense stood tall, forcing a field goal attempt from ASU that made the score 7-3 in favor of the Wolverines (14:18). U-M took back over on its 25-yard line after the kickoff. A long drive of 17 plays and 75 yards ended with senior running back Donovan Edwards scoring from 7 yards out to extend the Michigan lead to 14-3 with 6:41 to go in the half. Michigan’s defense responded with a three-and-out, and the offense came right back with a 4-play, 55-yard drive capped off by a 5-yard touchdown run from Mullings, his second score of the day. After the extra point, U-M led 21-3 with 2:57 to go.

After another three-and-out forced by the Michigan defense, the offense took back over with 1:54 left on the clock. U-M moved the ball 49 yards in 4 plays before Warren’s second interception of the day — on a play where his arm appeared to get hit — gave Arkansas State the ball back with 1:12 left in the half. The Red Wolves drove down the field, but settled for a 38-yard field goal that was no good, clanging off the left upright as time expired.

Michigan 21, Arkansas State 3

Third quarter

Michigan started the half on offense, going 22 yards in 6 plays before being forced to punt down to the Arkansas State 16-yard line with 10:21 to go in the half. The Red Wolves went 25 yards in 7 plays before punting back to Michigan, and the Wolverines would take over on their own 28-yard line with 6:26 to go in the half. A few minutes later, Warren threw his third interception of the day, giving Arkansas State the ball back at the U-M 20-yard line with 4:11 to go. Makari Paige picked off ASU in the end zone, giving the Wolverines the ball at their 20-yard line.

Alex Orji entered the game at quarterback after the third Warren mistake of the day, and the quarter would end with the Wolverines facing a third-and-4 from their 38-yard line.

Michigan 21, Arkansas State 3

Fourth quarter

Michigan closed out the 9-play, 80-yard drive with a 9-yard pass from Orji to freshman tight end Hogan Hansen, the first of his career. U-M led 28-3 at the 12:49 mark after the extra point. The No. 2 defense came in on the next drive and forced another three-and-out, the Wolverines then taking over at their 19-yard line with 11:32 to go. On its next drive, U-M went 16 yards in four plays before punting away to Arkansas State with 9:18 on the clock. The Red Wolves put in their backups on offense and went down the field, scoring their first touchdown of the game on a 24-yard touchdown pass with 5:38 remaining. After the extra point, Michigan’s lead was cut to 28-10.

The offense punted on its next drive, giving Arkansas State the ball back with 3:58 to go. ASU would go 75 yards in 11 plays, scoring a touchdown and grabbing a two-point conversion to narrow the lead to 28-18 in favor of Michigan. The onside kick attempt failed, and Michigan kneeled out the clock.

FINAL: Michigan 28, Arkansas State 18

Michigan vs. Arkansas State: Final box score