FWtCT Staff Predictions for Mississippi State Versus No. 4 Alabama

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Coming off it’s second open week, the Mississippi State football team hosts No. 4 Alabama on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium.

The Bulldogs (4-5, 2-4 SEC) set school records for total offensive yards (640) and rushing yards (460) in a Southeastern Conference game two weeks ago in their 54-24 win at Arkansas. Senior quarterback Tommy Stevens was a surprise start and went 12-of-18 passing for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior running back Kylin Hill rushed for a career-high 234 yards and three touchdowns against the Razorbacks and was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

Alabama (8-1, 5-1 SEC) is coming off a 46-41 loss to No. 1 LSU. The Crimson Tide have beaten the Bulldogs 11 straight times. Mississippi State’s last win in this series came in Starkville back in 2007. The good news for State is that this Alabama defense is not the defense we are used to seeing. Junior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was clearly limping as the game progressed and is officially a game-time decision for Saturday’s contest.

Junior running back Najee Harris is coming off of a breakout performance last week against the Tigers, putting up 146 yards rushing and a touchdown on 19 carries, so the Tide may rely heavily on him.

Let’s get into the picks.

Collin Wilmes: Alabama hasn’t lost back-to-back regular-season games since 2007. I don’t see that changing this week. I think Saban will have this team focused more than ever because they have no room for error if they want a chance at the College Football Playoffs. Final score: Alabama wins 42-20.

Landon Young: It‘s been a pretty solid week for me because I got engaged yesterday, and my birthday is Sunday. With my hopes and spirits being as high as they are going into this weekend, I’m still gonna take the Tide. Final score: Alabama wins 49-13.

Gil Maneclang: Ole Miss put up 31 on the Bama defense. Texas A&M scored 28. This year’s Tide defense is not its dominant self. Mississippi State moves the ball and scores enough to make it respectable, but the Alabama wide receivers make some big plays and the Crimson Tide pull away in the second half. Final score: Alabama wins 45-28.

You can watch the game on ESPN at 11 a.m. CT.