3 reasons why Alabama will defeat Mississippi State, 1 why not
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Alabama (4-0 overall, 2-0 SEC) will play in one of the most anticipated games in the country this week as they make the short trip to Starkville to take on upstart Mississippi State (4-0, 2-0). The Bulldogs are led by quarterback phenom Kamario Taylor who has taken the nation by storm.
This matchup features two of the top quarterbacks in the country and is a Top 20 matchup that will have plenty of eyes on it. History in this matchup is on Alabama's side, but this appears to be the Crimson Tide's toughest test to date.
With that being said, here are three reasons why Alabama will win this weekend, as well as one reason why they could potentially lose.
Why: Alabama defensive line vs. Mississippi State offensive line
Mississippi State had big offensive line question marks heading into the season. Their offensive line has been improved as a whole, but it has also allowed seven sacks combined over the last two weeks. Alabama's defensive line is arguably the best unit that Mississippi State has faced so far this season, and so that will be a big test that could help determine the outcome of the game.
While Alabama is battling some injuries at edge rusher, Yhonzae Pierre, Devan Thompkins, and Co. have had a strong start to the season. They could be Alabama's key in slowing down Kamario Taylor by making him uncomfortable and not giving him time to throw. They will have to be disciplined in their pass-rush though to not open up scrambling lanes for Taylor to hurt the Tide with his legs.
If the weather truly impacts the game and takes the air out of the ball, the onus will be on Alabama defensive line (and linebackers) in run-defense to slow down Fluff Bothwell (sneakily one of the SEC's better running backs). Alabama's defense is third in the SEC in stopping the run so far this season.
Why: Keelon Russell has a Heisman Trophy level performance
Another big potential advantage for Alabama is their passing game against Mississippi State's pass defense. Alabama will hope burgeoning star quarterback Keelon Russell can take advantage of that, and if he does it could propel Alabama to victory. Russell is currently completing 70.9% of his passes with 1,129 passing yards, 168 rushing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, and two interceptions on the season.
Mississippi State's pass defense is last in the SEC (and outside the top 100 nationally) with 249 pass yards allowed per game. They allowed 282 passing yards to South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers and 295 yards to Missouri's Austin Simmons the last two weeks.
While the weather could affect both team's passing games, this could be an opportunity for Keelon Russell to supplant himself right at the front of the Heisman Trophy race with a big day.
Why: Alabama has productive day on special teams
Alabama has had one of the best special teams' units so far this season. Kicker Conor Talty is a perfect eight-for-eight on field goals so far this season, and Alex Asparuhov is averaging 46 yards per punt. Asparuhov has put three of his ten punts so far inside the 20, and has yet to punt a touchback. Alabama also has a dangerous return man in Ryan Coleman-Williams who is averaging 7.6 yards per return and has made a 23-yard return, and is capable of scoring every time he touches the ball.
If weather truly is a factor and offense becomes a bit limited, then special teams and field position could prove massive. In that case, Alabama has to feel good about where they are at.
Why Not: Kamario Taylor has a Heisman Trophy level performance
Kamario Taylor is the type of quarterback that can overcome a team's disadvantages across the field. He is a quarterback than can will a team to victory. Through four games, Kamario Taylor is completing 69.2% of his passes with 1,192 passing yards, 185 rushing yards, 15 total touchdowns (14 passing, one rushing), and two interceptions. Taylor's 14 touchdown passes are tied for the national lead.
Taylor and Mississippi State's high-powered offense will be Alabama's biggest test of the season so far (but also, Alabama's defense will be Mississippi State's biggest test of the season as well). If Alabama loses this game, it could be because of Heisman Trophy level performance from Kamario Taylor.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 reasons why Alabama will defeat Mississippi State, 1 why not
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