Bama Ready To Battle Bulldogs
Halfway through a modified SEC season, the Alabama Crimson Tide has navigated its unique schedule without any hiccups. The Crimson Tide is 5-0 and is set to host the 1-3 Mississippi State Bulldogs in Bryant-Denny Stadium this weekend.
The Bulldogs make the short trip from Starkville with hopes of getting its season back on track after dropping its last three games. First-year head coach Mike Leach has brought his "Air Raid" offense to the SEC with mixed success so far this season.
Leach's Bulldogs pulled off a massive upset of the defending national champion LSU Tigers in the first week. His offense posted 44 points and transfer quarterback K.J. Costello set an SEC record with 623 passing yards. However in its last three contests, the Bulldogs offense has only averaged 10 points per game.
The Mississippi State program has been experiencing heavy turnover since Leach took the job in the spring. Just this week it was confirmed that top running back Kylin Hill has left the team to pursue the NFL. Additionally at least three more players have entered the transfer portal this week, creating depth issues for the Bulldogs.
Alabama's defense has shown improvements over the last two weeks but it will have its hands full with Leach's unusual offensive style. If the Tide can create pressure on the Bulldogs quarterbacks there could be several opportunities for turnovers as State has already thrown 12 interceptions this season.
The Crimson Tide boasts one of the top offenses in the nation, scoring 48 points per game while utilizing a balanced attack of Mac Jones deep passing and Najee Harris running out of the backfield.
Jones will be without one of his favorite weapons this weekend as Jaylen Waddle unfortunately suffered a lower leg injury last week against Tennessee causing him to likely miss the remainder of this season.
Jones will have a bevy of skill position players to take the place of the injured Waddle but Alabama will still have a challenge on its hands with the Bulldogs defense. Mississippi State can claim the best defense in the SEC thus-far, giving up a league low 295 yards per game.
Alabama and Mississippi State will kick off at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. The Tide is currently a 30.5 point favorite according to the odds makers. Join Tide 100.9 at 1 p.m. tomorrow as we get you ready for Alabama gameday with the Tide Tailgate show broadcasting live from Twelve 25.
Alabama 2020 Offensive Players