Alabama is trying to bounce back from a loss to Tennessee, but it faces a team that always plays tough.
Mississippi State is 5-2 in Mike Leach’s third year as head coach. The Bulldogs lost by 10 (17-27) versus Kentucky, but it has the Battle for Highway 82 on its mind. Mississippi State will do similar things as the Volunteers did to attack the Crimson Tide’s defensive secondary. Alabama’s defensive front has to show up for Saturday’s matchup after being nonexistent last week.
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In previewing the Bulldogs, here are five players that look to hand Alabama its second loss.
Will Rogers, Quarterback
After watching Hendon Hooker attack Alabama’s defensive secondary, Will Rogers is looking forward to Saturday.
Rogers is one of the best quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference, and he’s in his third season in Leach’s system. He is a traditional dropback passer, but Rogers does have some mobility. Rogers has 2,324 passing yards, 23 touchdown passes, and four interceptions. He’s led Mississippi State to 35.4 points per game, including four 40+ point matchups. Rogers averages 45.7 pass attempts and 332 yards per game. Alabama’s secondary cannot afford back-to-back weeks of getting torched in the SEC.
The Crimson Tide’s pass rush must affect Rogers in the pocket.
Caleb Ducking, Wide Receiver
Alabama had issues with Xavier Worthy (Texas) and Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee), but now it has Caleb Ducking.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder is a very physical wide receiver.
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He is a 50/50 ball magnet, and Ducking has become Rogers’ favorite target on the outside. Ducking is the Bulldogs’ leading receiver with 33 catches for 354 yards and seven touchdowns. Mississippi State also has Rara Thomas and Rufus Harvey that can make plays. Thomas has a team-high 383 receiving yards and 17.4 yards per reception with three touchdowns. Harvey totals 28 catches for 276 yards and two scores. The Tide needs its best athletes on the field in the secondary for this improved offense.
Jett Johnson, Linebacker
Jett Johnson is Mississippi State’s enforcer at linebacker.
He leads a scrappy Bulldogs defense into Bryant-Denny Stadium. Johnson, a senior, leads the team for total tackles (67), three tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup. He is strong against the run and brings versatility in pass coverage. Johnson can also affect the passing game and looks forward to coming after Bryce Young all game long.
Nathaniel Watson, Linebacker
Watson is Johnson’s running mate as a linebacker.
As a senior, he has 58 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, a pass breakup, a quarterback hurry, a forced fumble, and an interception. Watson leads Mississippi State in tackles for loss and sacks.
Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback
Emmanuel Forbes is one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC.
He leads the Bulldogs for pass breakups (six) and interceptions (five). Forbes also has two picks returned for touchdowns.
Alabama’s wide receivers have to get off press coverage and create separation. Mississippi State has a formidable secondary; however, Forbes has first-round pick potential as a junior. Bryce Young must be aware of where Forbes is lined up.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
