The SEC's unbeaten table is getting crowded, and somebody is about to lose a seat.
No. 7 Alabama visits No. 16 Mississippi State with both teams coming in at 4-0, joining Florida, Georgia and Texas as the conference's remaining unbeatens.
State has started 4-0 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1944-45. Quarterback Kamario Taylor's shortening Heisman odds have put even more attention on Starkville. The Bulldogs have faced a lighter schedule of defenses, while Alabama had to pull away from Kentucky and Florida State after competitive first halves.
This one has consequences beyond Saturday: SEC positioning, playoff seeding and Taylor's Heisman case are all on the line.
Odds by DraftKings
and subject to change.
No. 7 Alabama (-6) at No. 16 Mississippi State
Saturday, noon ET, ABC
Records: Alabama 4-0, 0-0 vs. AP Top 25; Mississippi State 4-0, 1-0 vs. AP Top 25
Money line: Alabama (-225); Mississippi State (+185)
Over/Under: 59.5 (O -112, U -108)
Alabama's balance meets Mississippi State's big-play potential
Alabama's offense can put a defense in a bind. Against Florida State, the Tide gained 320 yards passing and 247 rushing. QB Keelon Russell can find Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks downfield. Sitting back to protect against those throws gives Alabama room to run. Daniel Hill can keep drives moving, EJ Crowell brings a burst when he gets an opening, and Russell can take off. The Bulldogs' coverage has been solid; it's the pass rush that's struggling, ranking bottom-five in the FBS for pressures and sacks. That could leave its defensive backs covering for a long time.
State presents a different problem for Alabama. Taylor, a potential Heisman hopeful, is willing to throw deep, and he throws with efficiency and plays with a type of awareness uncommon for a young quarterback. Meanwhile, RB Fluff Bothwell has generated nearly 300 yards after contact, fourth most in the SEC. Alabama has defended the run well overall, yet missed tackles could undo good positioning against a solid back capable of making explosive plays. If Bothwell keeps State out of obvious passing situations, Taylor gets more freedom to look downfield.
Alabama's answer is pressure. Devan Thompkins and Yhonzae Pierre can make Taylor speed up against a State line that has had trouble protecting him (seven sacks allowed in the past two games). That's where this matchup could turn: State needs time for its big plays to develop, while Alabama needs to make Taylor uncomfortable before they do, or keep coverage in check like it has been if Taylor finds time.
Prediction: OVER 59.5
When it comes to the spread, I can see two very different games. Alabama could take control early, force Mississippi State to chase, and turn one hurried decision into a two-score lead. Bama has forced six interceptions, tied for the third most in the country. Taylor had two interceptions against a better pass rush in Missouri and now gets the Tide, who can both apply the pressure and protect in coverage. I wouldn't be surprised if the Tide covered comfortably.
I can also see Mississippi State winning outright. This is a home game for an unbeaten team that already handled a close fourth quarter against Missouri. If State protects the ball and keeps Bama from getting a free possession, the Bulldogs have enough to trade scores.
Russell also has to prove he can deliver the same performance away from home, after he threw for just 188 yards with two picks at Kentucky. One game is not enough to call him a poor road quarterback, but it matters against State's strong coverage.
The total is a more clear view. If Alabama gets ahead, State has to keep throwing and Alabama should get more possessions. If State keeps it close, Alabama can't spend the second half just protecting a lead. Either way, I expect meaningful offense deep into the game. I have a harder time predicting who owns the fourth quarter than I do predicting that both teams will need to score in it.