With Alabama’s loss last Saturday against LSU, Alabama not only needs to win Alabama if they want a shot at being back in the College Football Playoff, they also have to win big. With the Tide taking on the Bulldogs in Starkville, Alabama could use a big win on their resume. The Crimson Tide has won every single matchup since 2007, and if Alabama uses last week’s loss as motivation, this could be a big game for the Tide.
What does Mississippi State have to do to win?
Offensively, the Bulldogs will need to be absolutely flawless if they want any chance of winning the game. Although the Bulldogs have RB Kylin Hill who leads the SEC in rushing with 1,027 yards, the Bulldogs have been inconsistent on offense. Don’t be surprised if you see both Tommy Stevens and Garrett Shrader in at quarterback for the Bulldogs. If Mississippi State can not only have big plays on the ground, but also have consistent efforts by the quarterbacks, Mississippi State could find themselves in the end zone.
Defensively, the Bulldogs have to shut down the running game. If the Bulldog defense can stop Najee Harris who rushed for over 140 yard against LSU last Saturday, this game could get interesting. Mac Jones will more than likely be the starting quarterback on Saturday to give Tua Tagovailoa time to heal. If the Bulldogs can put consistent pressure on Jones and cause turnovers, Mississippi State has a good chance to put on a show in Starkville.
What does Alabama have to do to win?
Alabama has to show up, and show out. After last Saturday’s loss against LSU, Alabama needs a big road win over the Bulldogs. Offensively, Alabama needs to be smart and consistent. If Mac Jones starts as quarterback, you could see a similar game plan like the Tide had against Arkansas where the Tide settled into a running game and Jones threw big passes when needed. The Tide doesn’t need to be fancy, just smart and dominant.
Defensively, Alabama needs to shut down the Bulldogs’ running game as well. If Alabama can contain Kylin Hill, who leads the SEC in rushing, and make Mississippi State rely on their inconsistent passing game, Alabama could dominant this game on both sides of the ball.
Who do I think will win this game?
Alabama. Although this is an early morning road game, Alabama will be fired up and motivated from their loss last week against LSU. This game matter more than people realize. Not only does Alabama need to win, they need an impressive road win to convince the CFB Playoff committee they are a team worth a second chance.