Michigan Strikes Quickly, Rips Michigan State, 31-0

Third-ranked Michigan got a touchdown after a recovered fumble and turned a blocked punt into a touchdown within a 1:51 span of the first quarter Saturday to grab a 14-0 lead en route to a 31-0 victory over Michigan State.

“It was like starting the game 14-0,” Michigan Coach Bo Schembechler said. “We might have won, but it wouldn’t have been 31-0. I don’t feel sorry for Michigan State, but that’s a bad way to start a traditional battle like this.”

The victory left the Wolverines unbeaten at 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten, while the Spartans are 2-3 and 0-2.

Michigan State had four turnovers, all of which resulted in scores by the Wolverines.

Michigan State quarterback Bobby McAllister fumbled the snap on the second play of the game, and Michigan recovered. Three plays later, Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh flipped a nine-yard touchdown pass to tight end Eric Kattus.

The Spartans were forced to punt on their next possession, and Michigan’s Dieter Heren blocked it. Heren scooped up the ball and ran to the one, where he fumbled into the end zone, and Ed Hood fell on the ball for another Michigan touchdown.

The Wolverines had a 14-0 lead, and there was still 10:59 left in the first quarter.

Mike Gillette kicked a 29-yard field goal at 2:32 of the second quarter, and Michigan got a pair of insurance touchdowns in the fourth quarter, both set up by interceptions.