CAN ’DOGS HAVE A DAY?
MISSISSIPPI STATE FACES LONG ODDS AS IT FACES A ROLLING TIDE IN ALABAMA
KEYS FOR MISSISSIPPI STATE
Establish the run: The Bulldogs are second in the SEC in rushing at better than 230 yards per game. Alabama is second in run defense, allowing 102 per outing. MSU needs to sustain drives and eat up clock to keep Alabama’s explosive offense on the sideline.
Stop the run: It’s Football 101, control the line of scrimmage and you have a chance to win. The Bulldogs are third in run defense, allowing 111 yards per game, while Alabama’s ground game is picking up steam. MSU needs to keep the Crimson Tide from being balance on offense.
KEYS FOR ALABAMA
Avoid the hangover: This is the second consecutive physical game for the Crimson Tide, which is coming off a big win at LSU. That was an emotional victory for Alabama, which cannot afford to overlook the scrappy Bulldogs after clinching a spot in the SEC Championship Game. Strike first, strike hard, no mercy: Alabama didn’t score on its opening drive all season last weekend, but its offense has been pretty overwhelming all season. The Crimson Tide should try to put MSU in a hole early and force the Bulldogs out of their run-first comfort zone.
PREDICTION
Alabama 39, Mississippi
State 16: These Bulldogs have proven themselves to be capable of pulling off the occasional upset and can’t be counted out, but Alabama is playing on a different level. The Crimson Tide put down LSU and will do the same to Mississippi State.