The No. 1 Mississippi State Bulldogs (9-0, 5-0 SEC) will face No. 5 Alabama (8-1, 5-1) on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Both teams look to capture a crucial victory in hope of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Here’s five things to watch in Saturday’s game.

1. Dak Prescott vs. Alabama’s defense: Dak Prescott can help his Heisman candidacy with a strong performance in the biggest game of his career. The dual-threat quarterback has dominated SEC defenses, but faces a tough battle against the No. 3 rushing defense in the nation. Alabama will make Prescott its highest priority this week in practice and prepare a tough game plan for Saturday.

2. How will Mississippi State slow down Amari Cooper?: Mississippi State has the SEC’s best red zone defense, but struggles between the 20s. Cooper has scored over half of his touchdowns from beyond the red zone and has yet to be slowed down, aside from missing two quarters with an ankle injury against Arkansas.

3. Will Mississippi State step up in the national spotlight?: The Bulldogs earned their No. 1 ranking after several upsets over ranked teams. Mississippi State faces its first ranked opponent since topping the polls in a tough road environment. The Bulldogs have a chance to prove their legitimacy on a national stage facing a balanced Alabama team.

4. How will Alabama fare against State’s spread offense?: Don’t tell Nick Saban, but the spread offense has given his teams fits in the past. Mississippi State has one of the best rushing tandems in Prescott and Josh Robinson, along with several talented wide receivers. The Tide will need to match the Bulldogs offense in what could become a high scoring game.

5. Winner takes all: The scenario is set for both teams. Mississippi State tops the polls as one of two remaining undefeated teams. A win over a top-5 opponent will further push their strength of schedule over FSU and others. For Alabama, a victory over the nation’s top team would help its stock rise among the best one-loss teams.