TRAP GAME IN STARKVILLE: MISSISSIPPI state vs alabama Game preview

The Crimson Tide against a red hot Mississippi State team in Starkville. What else can you ask for? Kamario Taylor 4th in Heisman odds I hear? Let’s breakdown how these teams match up.

Mississippi State enters this game ranked 16th, the highest they’ve been ranked since the final AP Poll of the 2022 season. Quarterback Kamario Taylor has been lights out, totaling over 1,300 total yards and 15 touchdowns so far this season. The Bulldogs are coming off a big win against Missouri and have previously beat South Carolina and Minnesota this season. They are currently averaging a whopping 43 points per game this year, but can Taylor continue to carry this team to victories?

Alabama looks to put a stop to the Bulldogs’ miracle run. They are led by their defense, which has excelled so far this season. The Crimson Tide have talent across the board on this side of the ball with players like Luke Metz, Red Morgan, Devan Thompkins, Yhonzae Pierre, and more. The Crimson Tide defense has totaled 11 sacks 10 takeaways through four games this season, including three pick sixes. 

The Alabama offense has been led by Quarterback Keelon Russell who has improved greatly as the season has progressed. He currently totals just under 1,300 total yards and 11 touchdowns, most recently recording 400 total yards and 5 touchdowns vs South Carolina. Alabama will also look to establish the run with Running Back Daniel Hill, who recorded just 15 yards in their last game. Overall, the Mississippi State mission is simple. Stop Keelon Russell. Alabama’s rushing attack is nothing special, but the dual threat nature of their quarterback will keep this defense on their toes for 60 minutes. Mississippi State will look to Linebackers Jalen Smith and Tyler Lockhart to contain Russell.  

On the offensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs have Fluff Bothwell as well. He has recorded 350 yards and three touchdowns in the three games against Power 4 opponents. He tallied over 100 yards on the ground in each of these games. Wide Receiver Anthony Evans III has had over 400 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns so far this season. The Alabama defense certainly has a tough task, but it is also certain that this Alabama defense has the potential to contain any high powered offense. 

I expect this game to be a very back and forth game between two elite SEC squads. The quarterback matchup is elite and the atmosphere will be electric with the cowboys ringing. It’ll demand a lot from Coach DeBoer and his squad, but ultimately I predict the Crimson Tide come out of Starkville with a big resumé boosting win. However, this will be a close, one-score game that I believe Mississippi State will cover in.