3 storylines for Alabama vs. Mississippi State in Top 25 showdown

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

On Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide travel to Starkville for a matchup against Mississippi State for the first time since 2023.

A series which Alabama has owned historically, the Crimson Tide also enter Saturday having won 16-straight games against the Bulldogs dating back to 2008, as well as the last eight inside Davis Wade Stadium. This latest showdown will look different than those previous 16 for Alabama though, as it will be the first of the Kalen DeBoer era against Mississippi State.

Following are three storylines to monitor during Alabama's road trip to Mississippi State this Saturday afternoon.

Can Alabama slow down Kamario Taylor?

Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor has been very impressive over the Bulldogs first four games, with the sophomore currently leading all of college football with 14 passing touchdowns this season. This will be a challenge for the Alabama defense facing a quarterback the caliber of Taylor, but it will also be test for the Bulldogs standout, as the Crimson Tide's secondary could be the most talented he has ever faced.

Can Alabama defense continue recent domination in series?

When looking at the Crimson Tide's 16-game winning streak since 2008, Alabama's defense has held the Bulldogs offense to single-digits in 12 of those matchups. Alabama has not let the Bulldogs score more than 24 points in a single game during that span as well, but it will be a tough task Saturday to do that against a Mississippi State team that is averaging 43 points a game this season, as well as leading the SEC with 533.3 total yards per contest.

Will Alabama passing game be the difference maker?

If there is an area where Alabama could have a potential advantage, it could be the Crimson Tide's passing game. Mississippi State's defense ranks last in the SEC with 249 passing yards allowed to opponents per game, and are set to face an Alabama offense which ranks fourth in the conference at 283.3 passing yards per game, as well as a red hot quarterback in Keelon Russell.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 storylines for Alabama vs. Mississippi State in Top 25 showdown

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos