Both Mississippi State and Alabama are in control of their own fate for the remainder of the season. The Bulldogs sit undefeated on the year and the Crimson Tide are in a position to upset the top-ranked team in the nation and get into the College Football Playoff top four. This matchup reads like a playoff elimination game with all of the talent in the Western Conference of the SEC which should make for a solid Saturday showdown.
The SEC West is eliminating itself from playoff contention with the tough week-to-week matchups. LSU and Texas A&M were eliminated by Alabama. Mississippi was eliminated after two straight losses. This game will be the biggest for the Crimson Tide, but they have the most experience in big games lately. The Tide traveled to LSU last week and got the overtime win tanks to a Blake Sims passing touchdown. Getting the Bulldogs at home certainly works in the Tide's favor where they have won 13 straight games, but Mississippi State is looking to remain on top.
If the Tide is going to win this game, they must get past Heisman trophy candidate Dak Prescott who continues to impress this season along with running back Josh Robinson who is the SEC's No. 2 rusher. Prescott's dual-threat abilities could give Alabama headaches all game much like Johnny Manziel or Tim Tebow once did. He has 2,231 passing yards and 18 touchdowns while also recording 779 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Alabama's top defensive unit is coming off a very physical game against the LSU Tigers and have to be ready to reach that intensity again when facing the Bulldogs.
However, while Alabama's defense has been good, their offense has looked its best in years. Amari Cooper is leading the way with 1,215 receiving yards, leading the nation. Blake Sims continues to dominate on third down, converting a league high 53 percent of his chances. The Alabama offense is outscoring its opponents by 40.2 points at home this season which could be the x-factor against Mississippi State.
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