Alabama vs. Mississippi State Prediction, Game Preview

Could this be an even more dangerous game for Alabama (8-1) than the LSU showdown was? Mississippi State (7-2) is still in the hunt for big things, and turn the tables on the Tide? Last year, the Bulldogs were rolling as the No. 1 team in the country before getting tripped up in Tuscaloosa. Now it’s MSU’s chance to screw up Bama’s playoff world. Check out the Alabama vs. Mississippi State game preview and prediction.

Alabama vs. Mississippi State Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Nov. 14
Game Time: 3:30 pm
Venue: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, MS

Network: CBS

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Why You Need To Care

In 1980, Alabama was 7-0 and absolutely rolling as it made the trip to Starkville, allowing seven points or fewer in five of the first seven games. Bear Bryant’s team finished the year allowing seven or under in nine of the 12 games, giving up just six to the Bulldogs – but the Tide only scored three. That’s still referenced from time to time as one of the shocking moments in SEC history, and while MSU coming up with a win this year wouldn’t be quite the same, it would be special.

The Bulldogs have been totally ignored compared to last year at this time, losing early on to LSU on a missed kick, and getting beaten beat Texas A&M on the road, but even though it was picked by many to finish seventh in the division, the rebuilding team has managed to carve out an extremely nice 7-2 season with a chance to do a whole lot more damage. At this point, MSU is playing with house money.

Alabama is fresh off the dominant win over LSU, bruising and battering its way to the No. 2 spot in the CFP rankings, and now everything is on the table. With Charleston Southern to breeze through next week, a win here and a victory over a sluggish Auburn makes it a one-game shot at the playoff. The West can’t quite be wrapped up this week – Ole Miss is off and has to lose once more for it to be official – but a win would come really, really close to sealing it.

Why Alabama Will Win

LSU Offensive Game Plan, Part 2. The Mississippi State defensive front has been okay, but it was gouged by LSU Leonard and had problems against Missouri at times last week – although it was one big run that made the stats look better. It’s a good D, but it’s hardly an elite one, and Alabama should be able to line up and blast away, just like it did against the Tigers. On the other side, the Bulldogs don’t have much of a running game to rely on – at least it’s nothing the Bama defensive front can’t handle – and there’s just no ball and clock control. MSU keeps it for just under 25 minutes a game, and if Derrick Henry gets rumbling, Dak Prescott and company might never get the ball.

Why Mississippi State Will Win

That was a rested and ready Alabama team against LSU. Now it’s a beaten up team that played its most physical game of the season, while Mississippi State has had an extra few days off to chill out after beating Missouri last Thursday night. This is a strong Bulldog team that doesn’t beat itself. It doesn’t come up with a ton of turnovers, and it rarely gets penalized, getting nailed a mere four times per game. Win the turnover battle, force the Tide into 3rd-and-5, and rely on the one guy who might be able to pull this off by himself …

Player Who Matters

If Dak Prescott has a good game and comes up with the win, put him at the head of the Heisman class. Absolutely brilliant so far this year, he’s thrown 18 touchdown passes, one interception, and leads the team in rushing with 418 yards and seven of the 15 MSU rushing scores. Last year he threw a scare into Bama at the end, but his three interceptions were a problem in the 25-20 loss. This time around, he comes into the game on a roll hitting 70% of his throws over the last three games with over 300 yards passing in each. Get ready for the Alabama secondary to be pushed around like it hasn’t been all season long.

What’s Going To Happen?

Last week the total focus of the Alabama defense was on No. 7, this week it’ll be on No. 15. Prescott is just the sort of elite SEC quarterback who has the ability and experience to come up with a legendary performance, and he’ll have his moments, but he’s not running anywhere and his big passing day will be overcome by Alabama going on long drive after long drive. Bama has been tested three times away from home, and it beat Wisconsin, Georgia and Texas A&M by a combined score of 114-50. Dak will push again late, but Bama survives.