Tide Attempts to Bounce Backs Against Bulldogs
Will the Tide rebound after a shocking loss, or regroup and take care of business in Starkville?
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
Nick Saban stalks the sidelines a week ago in College Station. Photo by Ken Murray, Icon Sportswire
It is a rarity for the Alabama Crimson Tide to be coming off of an actual loss, but that is where the 5th ranked Tide find themselves after getting upended last weekend by Texas A&M. It’s been quite a week in Tuscaloosa, as coordinators Pete Golding and Bill O’Brien have been grilled for the team’s performance against the Aggies. Players have come out to say that their preparation for last week’s game was not where it should have been and have pledged a refocus as they head to Starkville. Coach Saban has noted that this week’s preparation and focus has been better, which will be necessary to get an important win against the Bulldogs.
Mississippi State presents a formidable challenge, especially at the home of the cowbell, as the Bulldogs are coming off of a bye week after defeating the same Texas A&M that just shocked the Tide. Poised at 3-2 and even with Alabama at 1-1 in the SEC West, the Pirate Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense is headed by sophomore Will Rogers, who is completing a Mac Jones-like 76% of his passes for 14 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions. Junior receiver Makai Polk leads the way with 46 receptions and 4 touchdowns and talented sophomore Jaden Walley has been impressive, hauling in 19 passes for 4 touchdowns as well.
Cowboy Will Rogers has been a true gunslinger this season. Photo by Sam Craft, Associated Press
The Bulldog ground game is only averaging 56.2 rushing yards per game, which is last in the country. Overall, the unit is averaging 428.6 yards and 27.8 points per game. Freshman placekicker Nolan McCord has hit 4 of 7 field goals with a long of 39 yards. Defensively, MSU is ranked 30th in the country and is surrendering 318 yards and 25 points per game. The defense is led by junior linebacker Jett Johnson and cornerbacks Martin Emerson, who is a junior, and sophomore Emmanuel Forbes.
The Tide offense had a hot and cold night against A&M, amassing 522 total yards and putting up 38 points, yet they were haunted by drops and missed opportunities in key situations as well as several questionable coaching decisions that contributed to the loss. In addition, late in the 4th when the Tide offense had a chance to take the lead and secure a win, the unit went a costly 3 and out that led to a punt and A&M’s winning field goal. Overall, the unit ranks 19th nationally and averages 472.5 yards and 44.3 points per game. Quarterback Bryce Young is completing 69% of his passes with 20 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Leading a talented group of backs is senior Brian Robinson Jr., who is coming off back to back 100 plus yard games, has rushed for 526 yards and 6 touchdowns. The receivers are deep and talented and are led by deep threats Jameson Williams (27 catches, 18.9 yards per catch, 5 touchdowns) and John Metchie III (34, 10.7, 2). Tight end Cameron Latu has 10 catches on the season with half of them going for touchdowns.
The offensive line, however, has struggled at times and has given up 11 sacks so far this season. Placekicker Will Reichard is one of the best in the nation, as he has hit 9 of 10 field goal attempts with a long of 51 yards. Defensively, the unit had a rough outing last week, especially in the secondary, as missed opportunities to make key plays, missed tackles, and continued penalties contributed to the loss. The unit, led by linebackers Henry To’o To’o, Will Anderson, and Christian Harris is deep and talented, but is not playing up to their potential. The secondary of Hellams, Battle, Branch, Jobe, and Armour-Davis will be tested by State’s Air Raid and will need to have their best performance of the year.
Christian Harris and this Alabama defense need to step up against a challenging Mississippi State offense. Photo by Joe Robbins, Getty Images
This game will tell a lot about the Crimson Tide, as they still have everything in front of them to play for. Yet, another loss will end the Tide’s dream of back to back SEC and national championships. The last time Bama lost back to back games was in 2007. Similar to seasons past, will they play angry and show the nation that they are indeed one of the best teams in 2021? Will they struggle again on the road? Will the receiving corps fix their case of the “dropies”? Will the secondary make plays and stop frequently holding receivers? Or will the defense falter, thus forcing the offense to compete in a shootout? Offensively, look for Alabama to attempt to establish the run and much like what they did against Ole Miss, wear down the Bulldog defense, which should open up the passing game and give Bryce Young and company the chance for a big night. In addition, look for Rogers to attack the vulnerable Tide secondary with a combination of deep balls and shorter crossing routes. In the end, Bama will make enough plays to get back on track and secure a much needed win, yet it may be a struggle.
Alabama 44
Mississippi State 31