The Crimson Tide’s conference game against Mississppi State is set for Saturday, Nov. 11 at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. Alabama can clinch the SEC West this weekend with a win over the Bulldogs and an Auburn loss. Here’s the info you need for the game:
Alabama (9-0) vs. Mississippi State (7-2)
Kickoff Time: 6:00 p.m. (Central Time)
TV: ESPN
Radio: 102.9 FM
Line: Alabama by 14.5
Need To Know
Mississippi State’s clear bag policy is in effect. Clear plastic totes are not to exceed 12″x 6″x 12″. Fans are permitted to bring a one-gallon clear plastic bag or a small clutch/purse not to exceed 4.5″x 6.5″. Backpacks, large purses, camera bags, diaper bags and other non-clear bags are not permitted.
Visit HailState.com/gameday for information on parking and traffic around Davis Wade Stadium.
Players to Watch
Mississippi State
Nick Fitzgerald
Jr./QB
6-5/230
Key Stat: Fitzgerald rushed for 135 yards last week against UMass.
By now, everyone in the conference is aware Fitzgerald is the biggest weapon on the field for the Bulldogs. The junior has filled the shoes of Dak Prescott with ease, using his legs to take over games and dominate conference opponents this season. If Fitzgerald has a strong game through the air against the Crimson Tide the Bulldogs should keep it close throughout.
Donald Gray
Sr./WR
5-10/200
Key Stat: Gray leads Mississippi State in receptions and receiving touchdowns.
The ideal situation for Mississippi State is to find success on the ground against the Crimson Tide, but history is against the Bulldogs’ hopes. Alabama boasts one of the top rushing defenses in the country, which means the Bulldogs will need to rely on receivers like Gray to create space and convert on third down. Gray will likely be the red zone target, leading his team with three touchdown receptions.
Montez Sweat
Jr./DL
6-6/241
Key Stat: Sweat leads Mississippi State with nine tackles for loss.
Sweat has pushed back opposing offenses 45 yards this season with his nine tackles for loss, six-and-a-half of which are sacks. The junior has emerged as not only the best pass rusher for the Bulldogs, but perhaps the best player on Dan Mullen’s defense. He will be a big part of stopping the Crimson Tide from picking up cheap yards on scrambles by Jalen Hurts.
Alabama
Bo Scarbrough
Jr./RB
6-2/235
Key Stat: Scarbrough had 11 carries for 39 yards against LSU.
Scarbrough’s 11 carries against LSU is a slight increase from his last two games against Arkansas and Tennessee. With such a crowded backfield, the big back has not rushed for over 100 yards this season. Scarbrough wil need to be successful with the same early touches if he wants to see more carries against an aggressive Mississippi State defense.
Raekwon Davis
So./DL
6-7/306
Key Stat: Davis had a season-high nine tackles against LSU.
Saban said he has seen a big difference in Davis’ confidence as the season has progressed, and the numbers back his claim. Davis has recorded at least one tackle for loss in his last five games, and he has at least four total tackles in his last four contests. The sophomore will be an important piece for Alabama against the Bulldogs as they try to slow down the Bulldogs’ star quarterback Nick Fitzgerald.
Keith Holcombe
Jr./LB
6-4/236
Key Stat: Holcombe had four tackles against LSU.
Holcombe made a tackle on his first play against the Tigers after being thrust into the game last week due to injuries. Alabama’s thin reserves at linebacker have been well noted, and five-star recruit Dylan Moses’ immediate impact will certainly be watched, but it’s Holcombe who brings experience to the group. The junior has had his chances to learn the system, and now he’ll get an opportunity to make defensive adjustments at Mike linebacker.
