Offense Struggles in 24-0 Loss to #1 Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Despite a solid defensive game from the Bulldogs, the No. 16 Mississippi State football team fell to No. 1 Alabama 24-0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama continues its perfect season and improves to 10-0 (7-0 SEC), while the Bulldogs drop to 6-4 (2-4 SEC).

MSU wasn’t able to get things going offensively, but managed to hold the Crimson Tide to just 305 yards of offense—their lowest on the season. This is the first game of the season that Alabama was even held under 500 yards.

The Tide held a 14-0 lead after the first quarter and added another score in the second quarter to go up 21-0 at the half. MSU had two touchdown passes on the same drive that were negated due to penalties. A 41-yard field goal attempt then sailed just left as time expired. The final score of the game was a 49-yard fourth quarter field goal by Alabama to make it 24-0.

Sophomore linebacker Willie Gay Jr. had a tremendous game, as he anchored the defense with nine tackles, two sacks and an interception. Senior safety Johnathan Abram continued his great season, as he compiled nine tackles to go along with a tackle for loss. Junior defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons had six tackles, two for losses. Sophomore cornerback Cameron Dantzler and junior defensive end Chauncey Rivers also added a pair of sacks to MSU’s four-sack performance.

The Alabama defense totaled five sacks in the game and limited the Bulldogs to just 44 yards on the ground. Sophomore running back Kylin Hill led the team with seven rushes for 47 yards.

Senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald completed 11-20 passing for 125 yards.

The Bulldogs return to Davis Wade Stadium next Saturday for their final home game of 2018, hosting Arkansas for Senior Day. Game time is set for 11 a.m. CT.