T-News staff picks

Cecil Hurt

Alabama 23, MSU 14

It will be interesting to look at the results after this game and

evaluate whether the decision to play LSU before Mississippi State — a request Alabama made to the Southeastern Conference office — worked to the Crimson Tide’s benefit. Alabama wins if it can win the turnover-margin statistic, and I think the Tide will be able to do it.

Christopher Walsh

Alabama 28, MSU 17

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like every week there’s a jilted lover kind of feel to the game, and this one is certainly no exception. Alabama has become a pass-first team and MSU has a pretty young secondary, so expect a nice bounce-back game by DJ Hall. The way to beat MSU is to get a lead and make the Bulldogs throw.

David Wasson

Alabama 21, MSU 6

A running joke between a close friend and I is the continued use of a dollar sign in place of the S when referring to MSU. Like this ... M$U. Anyway, even in my pneumonia-addled state this week, I can see that Alabama has far too many horses on offense to lose this game. Only a hangover of huge proportions would cause anything less.

Andrew Carroll

MSU 24, Alabama 17

The loss to LSU probably left Alabama battered and bruised, mentally and physically, and Mississippi State has had extra time to prepare. Alabama’s defense remains vulnerable to a punishing rushing attack. MSU isn’t as talented as LSU, but Alabama hasn’t scored an offensive touchdown against the Bulldogs in two seasons.

Michael Southern

Alabama 31, MSU 21

All warning signs point toward this as a trap game for the Tide. Alabama is coming off an emotional loss to LSU, while Mississippi State is full of confidence with road victories over Auburn and Kentucky. Expect the Bulldogs to fight the Crimson Tide through three quarters, before a few late scores by Alabama puts this game away.

Edwin Stanton

Alabama 25, MSU 10

After what I’ve witnessed the past two games, there is no way Alabama has a letdown today. This team has shown major improvement and will only get better. LSU was a letdown from a loss standpoint, but gosh they looked really good. If they carry that emotion over to today’s game, there is no way the Bulldogs come out with a two-game win streak.

Harold Stout

Alabama 35, MSU 28

I think I’ve learned a lesson about picking low-scoring games. Alabama is capable of lighting up the scoreboard, and will do so again today. But these are no longer the days of easy wins over MSU, thanks to the dedication of Sylvester Croom. But UA has an overall edge in talent, which it will need to beat a physical Bulldogs team.