Alabama Put on 'Upset Alert' Before Week 5 SEC Game
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide have steamrolled through the first four weeks of the season.
Sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell has been fantastic, throwing for 1,129 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. He's added another 168 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
All of the Crimson Tide's wins have come by double digits. Even games where they struggled at the start, like Kentucky, they played much better football in the second half (to beat the Wildcats 45-17). Florida State was the closest contest so far, and Alabama handled them 50-36.
The Crimson Tide might be in for a closer contest on Saturday when they travel to play a suddenly hot No. 16 Mississippi State. The Bulldogs blew out Minnesota 38-13 and defeated No. 19 Missouri 31-24 in Week 4.
Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor is starting to receive national attention for his play through the early season. He's thrown for 1,192 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions. He's added 185 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Bill Connelly of ESPN put Alabama on upset alert heading into its Week 5 matchup with Mississippi State. He argues both teams have overachieved at this point in the season, and something will have to give on Saturday.
The Crimson Tide will provide Taylor the biggest challenge he's faced this season. That could play a big factor in the contest. With that being said, the Bulldogs’ defense should provide plenty of resistance for Alabama.
This is a game Alabama should win, but nothing is promised for a road team in the SEC. Mississippi State should have the Crimson Tide's respect, but Alabama could be caught looking ahead at the schedule.
After Mississippi State, Alabama's next four opponents are No. 2 Georgia, No. 17 Tennessee, Texas A&M and No. 11 LSU.
Because of the rough schedule ahead, the Crimson Tide should be focused on taking care of business against the Bulldogs. It would be a disappointment for Alabama to lose to Mississippi State after having a 4-0 start to the season, putting the Crimson Tide behind schedule before playing the heart of their SEC schedule.
Alabama has yet to play close for all four quarters of a game. That could change on Saturday if Mississippi State's offense continues to be a threat. The Crimson Tide need to use this contest as a way to gain confidence and experience before they host Georgia in Week 6.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos