MSU 45, Jackson State 7

Dan Mullen opened his head coaching career in style with a 45-7 win over Jackson State. Many people will mock this win though saying that anyone would have beaten Jackson State like that. However, this is the type of game MSU has struggled to win like they are supposed to over the past 8 years. Remember the game against Maine in 2004? Or how about Troy State in 2003? Those are games that should have been won in commanding fashion that MSU lost. So, while the competition wasn't the best, the fact that MSU won this game in commanding fashion is a good sign.

With that said, there are clearly some things that need to be tightened up. It's hard to win in the SEC when you commit 12 penalties during the course of the game. The offensive line has not been tested, and I felt like we had too many negative rushing plays against a defensive front seven that we should have overwhelmed. Also, the kicking game continues to be an issue with Sean Brachule missing a 32 yard FG attempt and a 38 yard FG attempt. The first half started out very sloppy, and I have a feeling that Dan Mullen peeled some paint off the walls at half time. His team responded in the second half with 21 third quarter points.

The good is that MSU won the game in dominating fashion. Defensively, they got consistent pressure on the quarterback. Offensively, MSU ran the ball to the tune of 238 yards rushing without their top running back playing. Chris Relf looked solid playing in the dual quarterback role. He ran the ball well and was efficient with his passing. The guy looks like he could be a solid quarterback. I think they need to work on his accuracy some, but he's missing high and long when he misses. He didn't even come close to throwing an interception in this game. He threw three touchdown passes and ran for another. His running is what may ultimately make him the #1 guy before the year is over. He had 82 yards on 12 rushes in this game, leading the team.

Robert Elliot looked very good as well. MSU has a stable of running backs though, so expect a stark contrast to the way they have played in the past. Anthony Dixon, Christian Ducre, Arnil Stallworth, and Robert Elliot will all get carries this season, and you probably will not see any of them get more than 15 a game.

Two true freshmen really stood out. Chad Bumphis caught two passes in his first game, and both were touchdowns. Fletcher Cox looks like a beast out there and showed dominant ability against Jackson State's offensive line. Both of these guys are going to be special players. Brandon Heavens looks like he will be a very good player for this team as well.

KJ Wright and Charles Mitchell stepped up as well. KJ forced a fumble, which is something I feel he needs to continue doing. He's a star linebacker and needs to start making plays like that to validate his status. Charles Mitchell looks like a stud safety and a future NFL player at that position.

Overall, I feel good about the first game. Auburn will be a test next week. I was not that impressed with their offense last night, but their defense was fast. It will be a test, but I do feel MSU can come out on top. Let's get our dinged up guys healed and get ready to do something else we have struggled to do.....win an SEC game on the road.