#1 Michigan manhandled #9 Mississippi State tonight in Starkville, 31-6. Michigan jumped out to an early 14-0 lead behind the legs of true FR QB Hawkins who ran for TDs of 5 and 9 yards. Michigan's D bottled up the Dogs' offense pretty well in the 1st half. At the end of the half, MSU marched the ball down field to get a 1st and goal @ about the 3 yard line. A TD here would've cut the lead to 1 score with MSU getting the ball first in the 2nd half. Michigan's D stepped up to the challenge and stuffed them 3 times in a row to force a FG as time expired.

MSU would get another FG in the 3rd quarter to cut the lead to 1 score, 14-6. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Hawkins would run for his 3rd rushing TD on the day to extend the lead to 21-6. Early in the 4th quarter, Hawkins would hook up with fellow true FR WR Franz on a 7 yd TD pass to pretty much put the game out of reach at that point.

While Hawkins played with poise beyond his years, the story of the day was Michigan's defense. They forced 3 turnovers and tallied a staggering 8 sacks on the day (7 in the 2nd half!). All 4 Michigan starting D-lineman had at least 2 sacks in the game. While the big boys up front will get all the accolades, I can guarantee you that they are treating all of the little fast guys behind them to dinner tonight. Of the 8 sacks, only 2 of them were quick ones. The other 6 sacks were all coverage sacks. Gilbert had plenty of time to throw the ball, but the Michigan secondary were shadowing the MSU receivers everywhere across the field. Eventually the pocket would break down and Gilbert would have to eat the dirt.

Michigan will host another ranked team next as they face #14 Georgia. It's very safe to say that Jacob Hawkins has won the QB battle and the starting job is now his to lose.