Alabama football returns home to welcome the Mississippi State Bulldogs Saturday.
The Crimson Tide are looking to remain undefeated why the Bulldogs are looking for their second win of the season.
Touchdown Alabama’s staff predicts how this game will play out:
STEPHEN M. SMITH / SENIOR REPORTER
Alabama 45 – Mississippi State 14
Key Insight: Offensively, this looks like it could be a ground and pound day for Alabama. Mississippi State has a good defensive front, but it struggles against the run. Expect for Steve Sarkisian to create balance across the board, but it will start with Najee Harris. Defensively, the Tide will not have Kylie Hill (Bulldog RB) to deal with. This means Mike Leach will have K.J. Costello throwing nonstop. He has 10 interceptions this year and this is the best opportunity for Alabama to play its best game on defense. It has to affect Costello and create turnovers.
Season Record: 5-1
Other Game Predictions: N/A
JUSTIN SMITH / SCOUTING/RECRUITING ANALYST
Alabama 45- Mississippi State 17
Key Insight: ” Alabama football rolls into this matchup with some major momentum. This could be a game, where both sides air it out a ton as the Mississippi State Bulldogs come into the matchup averaging 357 passing yards a game. The Bulldogs’ defense has been able to hold its opponents to 192 passing yards a game but they have not seen an offense that plays at the level Alabama’s does. This should be a great test for Alabama’s secondary as they will get tested a lot under Mike Leach’s air-raid offense. This could also be a great opportunity for Alabama’s defense to create some pressure upfront. I expect the Tide’s defense to continue moving forward and its offense to continue dominating at its normal pace. It will be interesting to see if Jaylen Waddle’s absence is missed in this matchup.
Season Record: 6-0
Other Games Prediction: N/A
PATRICK DOWD / ALABAMA BEAT REPORTER
Alabama 51 – Mississippi State 17
Key Insight: “Mississippi State’s offense has struggled to get in to a groove under Mike Leach which plays right into the hands of an Alabama defense that is starting to trend upwards. No one has stopped Mac Jones and the Tide’s offense yet this season and the Bulldogs won’t be the first to get it under control. Despite the loss of Jaylen Waddle, Alabama will get it done big today.”
Season Record: 6-0
Other Games Prediction: N/A
