This is why the SEC is so tough.

Alabama has passed every test thus far and is coming off two victorious gladiator affairs against Tennessee and LSU.

So what next?

They get what promises to be a rabid Mississippi State team coming off a bye and playing in front of what may be the biggest crowd in school history.

Alabama fans look at this one as an automatic “W.” Mississippi State fans are approaching it as if it’s the freaking Super Bowl.

While Bama coach Nick Saban will no doubt be reminding his youngsters not to take the Bulldogs lightly, he surely did the same thing before facing Utah in the Sugar bowl last year and look how that one turned out.

Alabama is obviously the more talented team, but they’re not the type of offensive juggernaut to put up big numbers against a solid defensive club like this one on the road.

Serious question here as to how Mississippi State will score, but if they can keep the game close with their defense and running game the crowd will be a factor and this one could get interesting.

Bulldogs keep it close in a low-scoring affair. 

PICK: MISSISSIPPI STATE +12.5