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It seems like every week Alabama has another season-defining contest.
The Crimson Tide took down LSU last week to reclaim first place in the SEC West, but it will be tested immediately by a trip to Starkville to play a Mississippi State team that has won four games in a row.
Nick Saban holds a 6-0 record against Mississippi State with Dan Mullen in charge and has won his last seven games against the Bulldogs.
So while we wait for Saturday’s game, let’s take a look at what each team will bring to the field with its coaching staffs, and what their line of thinking might be for this game:
HEAD COACHES
Nick Saban, Alabama: As the architect of four BCS national championship teams, including three at Alabama, Saban has earned his reputation as one of the best coaches in college football history. His Crimson Tide squad is now in position to compete for his fifth national championship thanks to a win against LSU last week. Alabama is back inside the top four to qualify for the College Football Playoff according to the most recent rankings, and it is thanks in large part to the work that Saban has done with a team that has played lights out since a Week 3 loss to Ole Miss.
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State: The reigning SEC Coach of the Year has been making his case for votes for that award again this year, guiding a team that was picked to finish last in the SEC West to a Top 20 ranking after 10 weeks of play. A win against Alabama would be a giant step in the right direction for that award, and would bring the Bulldogs back into the national discussion as the final month of the regular season winds down.
OFFENSIVE STAFFS
Alabama coordinator: Lane Kiffin (QB)
His staff: Burton Burns (RB), Mario Cristobal (OL), Billy Napier (WR), Bobby Williams (TE/ST)
When Alabama has the ball: When you have the hottest running back in the country, you take advantage of it. So it will be no surprise to see Lane Kiffin continue to feed the ball to RB Derrick Henry, who stole the show in a head-to-head matchup with Leonard Fournette last week. Henry carrried the ball 38 times in the win, and while he’s likely to continue to be rock solid, it is reasonable to become concerned about his workload as the season drags on. If QB Jake Coker can get some traction in the downfield passing game, it would certainly help open things up.
Mississippi State co-coordinators: John Hevesy (OL) and Billy Gonzales (WR)
Their staff: Brian Johnson (QB), Greg Knox (RB/ST), Scott Sallach (TE)
When Mississippi State has the ball: It will be the Dak Prescott show, as usual. The senior quarterback is Mr. Everything for Mississippi State because he is the team’s best rusher and has become a trusted weapon as a thrower this season. Expect the Bulldogs to go as Dak goes in this one. If he’s able to move the football, they’ll have a chance to win the game. If he struggles, this offense is doomed against one of the best defensive fronts in college football.
DEFENSIVE STAFFS
Alabama coordinator: Kirby Smart (LB)
His staff: Bo Davis (DL), Mel Tucker (DB), Tosh Lupoi (OLB)
When Mississippi State has the ball: As we mentioned above, Mississippi State relies on QB Dak Prescott as much as any one team relies on one player. So Kirby Smart is surely scheming ways to both limit his chances to run, while also flustering him inside the pocket. He’s been really good at avoiding mistakes this season, so that’s no easy task. Defending the Bulldogs’ talented receiver corps adequately will also be atop the wish list, especially De’Runnya Wilson.
Mississippi State coordinator: Manny Diaz (LB)
His staff: Tony Hughes (S), Deshea Townsend (CB), David Turner (DL)
When Alabama has the ball: Making Jake Coker beat you is the name of the game. The Bulldogs defense has been very good this season, but they are at risk of falling victim to Derrick Henry’s power running game. Manny Diaz may become aggressive with loading enough people near the line of scrimmage to stop the run, trusting that his secondary can handle what Coker offers in the passing game.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
