A.J. Jefferson (DE) vs. Cam Robinson (LT)
Jefferson has been one of Mississippi State’s most consistent defenders ever since he arrived on campus back in 2013. He only has 12.5 career sacks — including four this season — but he has shown flashes of being an impact player. At 6’3 280 pounds, Jefferson has the size you look for in a base 4-3 defensive end, but he has struggled setting the edge at times.
Robinson had some very impressive plays as a run blocker against LSU this past Saturday, but false starts continue to be an issue. He hasn’t been Alabama’s most consistent offensive lineman this season like many had expected him to be — that title goes to true freshman right tackle Jonah Williams — but there is still little to no doubt that he will be one of the first tackles taken in the 2017 NFL Draft.
This match-up will more than likely see both players have some success against the other. Jefferson has an impressive bull rush and a relentless motor, but he doesn’t create consistently enough as a pass rusher which can limit his production. With that said, Mississippi State likes to move Jefferson up and down the defensive line, so expect to see him get some looks as a pass rusher on the interior. He won’t go against Robinson on every snap, but the two should see more than enough of each other.
Advantage: Cam Robinson
Nick Fitzgerald (QB) vs. Reuben Foster (LB) and the Alabama Defense
This match-up will be an important one both physically and mentally. Foster has been the leader of the Crimson Tide’s defense, and he has the responsibility of relaying the defensive signals. After losing approximately 15 pounds — going from 240 pounds to 225 — Foster has emerged as one of the elite linebacker prospects in the nation.
Foster’s ability to read, dissect and close is something that I haven’t seen since Patrick Willis was at Ole Miss. He plays with a recklessness that has even caused his own body physical harm, but there is no doubt that opposing offenses make sure to know where #10 is lined up on the field. Foster is going to play a critical role in limiting Mississippi State’s success on offense, but he won’t be the only one responsible for slowing down Nick Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald is the Mississippi State offense. With 1,705 yards through the air, 839 on the ground and 24 total touchdowns this season, Fitzgerald has been one of the most statistically impressive players in the SEC. He only threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns last week against Texas A&M, but he also managed to put up 182 yards on the ground to go along with two rushing scores.
The play-making ability is there, but Fitzgerald has also proven to be a turnover machine. He has thrown seven interceptions in his last four games — including two interceptions in three of those last four. The Alabama defense can take advantage of Fitzgerald’s weakness of trying to force throws, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see another defensive touchdown for the Crimson Tide.
Advantage: Reuben Foster
Fred Ross (Slot WR) vs. Tony Brown (Star CB)
Losing safety Eddie Jackson for the season was a pretty big blow to the Alabama defense, but after some adjustments, it seems like the void will be successfully filled by making a few changes. Star cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick slid into Eddie Jackson’s role at safety, and former five-star cornerback Tony Brown came in to fill the hole at the Star position.
It was a limited sample size, but Tony Brown didn’t look outmatched this past Saturday against LSU. He didn’t play a perfect game by any means, but that spot shouldn’t be the weakness that many thought it would be after Eddie Jackson was lost. With that said, the upcoming match-up against Mississippi State slot man Fred Ross will not be an easy task.
Ross posted 88 receptions, 1,008 receiving yards and five touchdowns as a junior back in 2015. Surprisingly, he has only gotten better since. The 6’2 207 pound senior from Tyler, Texas has been the main beneficiary of Nick Fitzgerald’s emergence, and it has led to 54 receptions, 641 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in only nine games this season.
Ross has shown the ability to make impressive catches due to his combination of length, balance and body control. If you turn on the tape for Ross, you will see the occasional focus drop, but it is obvious that he is one of the most talented receivers in the SEC. His ability to separate could cause issues for Tony Brown, who is still adjusting as an inside cornerback.
Advantage: Fred Ross
