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Dak Prescott, Mississippi State passing game could provide trouble for Alabama
By Dave Holcomb
Published:
After its second SEC loss on the first Saturday in October, Mississippi State was forgotten in the SEC West race.
Mathematically, the Bulldogs (7-2, 3-2 SEC) are still alive and need several things to go right in order to end up in Atlanta on Dec. 3. The first thing Mississippi State must do is defeat No. 3 Alabama.
It won’t be easy, but there are a couple factors working in Mississippi State’s favor.
Alabama (8-1, 5-1) is coming off an emotional 30-16 victory at home against previously undefeated LSU. Mississippi State is capable of pulling an upset, especially if Alabama suffers a letdown or doesn’t play well. Last season, Alabama had to hold on to win, 25-20, in Tuscaloosa.
Secondly, the Crimson Tide is extremely stout against the run but not as good against the pass. Alabama is second overall in run defense in the country and held LSU’s Leonard Fournette, to 31 yards on 19 carries. Alabama is 25th in the nation against the pass.
Mississippi State is a pass-first team ranked 20th in the nation in passing yards. Alabama struggled against Ole Miss and Arkansas, both ranked in the top 40 in passing yards. Ole Miss beat Alabama. Arkansas led the Tide heading into the fourth quarter.
In his last start, Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott tore apart the Missouri pass defense, which came into the game as the best in the SEC. On the road and in the rain, Prescott threw for 303 yards and four touchdowns.
To beat Alabama, the Bulldogs must slow down Crimson Tide RB Derrick Henry, make big plays in the kicking game and win the turnover battle. But the most important factor is Prescott. If the senior continues his hot streak and plays mistake-free like he has throughout the season, Mississippi State has a fighting chance.
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE CLOSER LOOK
Key Player, offense: Derrick Henry, Jr., RB — After his 213-yard performance against LSU, Henry emerged as a top contender for the Heisman Trophy. Henry has rushed for 1,258 yards and 17 TDs, tops in the country, while averaging 5.8 yards per attempt.
Key Player, offense: Calvin Ridley, Fr., WR — In his freshman season, Ridley has already been compared to Alabama alum Julio Jones. Ridley leads the Crimson Tide in every receiving category with 52 catches, 576 yards and three TDs.
Key Player, defense: Reggie Ragland, Sr., LB — The senior leader of the Alabama defense leads the team with 74 tackles, including 43 solo tackles. Ragland also has 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss.
Dave covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
