Quick Hits: Mississippi State defeats Troy Trojans 45-17

The Mississippi State Bulldogs improved to 4-2 with a 45-17 victory over the Troy Trojans Saturday. Here's what I saw.

1. This looked like the most complete MSU game since last season. The offense put up points. Fred Ross had a touchdown return, and the defense started strong.

2. Nick Fitzgerald impressed in extended action. There is a long way to go before next year, but he has to be the favorite to be the starter in 2016.

3. Hello, Brandon Bryant. The safety picked up his first start and immediately got credited with a sack and a forced fumble. The Bulldogs had not recovered one all year, and this one ended in a defensive score. Players make plays. I've got a feeling WMD might mention this in his Armchair QB.

4. Halftime stats still looked a bit worrisome from the rushing game. Not sure how to feel about that.

5. Can't say enough about the defense. Maybe this becomes a turn it around game for them and the rest of the team going forward for the rest of the season.