ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Kalel Mullings ran for 92 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, leading Michigan to a 50-6 win over Northwestern on Saturday to make the defending national champions eligible for a bowl.
“That’s goal No. 1 of any college football team,” quarterback Davis Warren said. “It means a lot to get another game.”
The Wolverines (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) needed the victory to secure a spot in the postseason because they will be heavy underdogs next week against rival and No. 2 Ohio State on the road.
“We understand what’s in front of us, but we’re going to celebrate the win,” Warren said.
The Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) managed only 127 total yards and likely knocked themselves out of contention for a bowl by losing for the fourth time in five games.
Michigan’s Aamir Hall made a diving interception on the opening drive and Mullings had a 2-yard run on the ensuing possession for his first of three scores. He had two touchdown runs in the third quarter.
Luke Akers made field goals on consecutive drives in the second quarter to cut Northwestern’s deficit to 10-6. The Wolverines scored the next 40 points.
“I told the team it was poor,” Wildcats coach David Braun said. “It was embarrassing. We got dominated in all three phases of the game tonight.”
Warren started the scoring barrage with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland with eight seconds left in the first half.
Donovan Edwards and Tavierre Dunlap each had a 20-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter when the Wolverines also had a field goal and safety.
Warren had career highs with 26 completions and 35 passing attempts for 195 yards, his second-highest total, with a touchdown and an interception.
Northwestern’s Jack Lausch was 10 of 21 for 106 yards and matched a career high with two interceptions.
The Wildcats were held to 10 yards rushing, including the 33 they lost on six sacks.
“They couldn’t get the run game going and there was very little they could do in the pass game,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “It seemed like they were just searching and couldn’t do much because our defense was playing so well.”
More Top Picks Best Ankle Support Shoes With Arch Support
Tailgate scene
Bryce Underwood, who flipped his commitment to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU, posed for a photo with sign-stealer Connor Stalions before going on the field during warmups.
The top-rated quarterback recruit played at Belleville High School, where Stalions was a volunteer coach for the team during the playoffs. Earlier this fall, Stalions was a volunteer defensive coordinator at Detroit Mumford High School.
Up next
Northwestern: Plays Illinois on Saturday at Wrigley Field.
Michigan: Visit Ohio State on Saturday.