Mississippi State vs. Alabama: Game Grades, Analysis for Bulldogs and Tide
The No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide jumped out to a 19-0 advantage and toppled the top-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs 25-20.
Blake Sims and Co. made a serious case for the No. 1 ranking with a clutch late-game drive, accompanied by an outstanding defensive performance.
| Pass Offense | B- | C- |
| Run Offense | D+ | C+ |
| Pass Defense | C+ | C |
| Run Defense | B- | B |
| Special Teams | B+ | B |
| Coaching | C+ | B- |
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Pass Offense: Though Dak Prescott threw for 290 yards and two scores, he tossed three crushing interceptions. De'Runnya Wilson tallied a team season-high eight receptions and accounted for 91 yards, while Jameon Lewis and Fred Ross reeled in a touchdown each. A handful of drops also contributed to the Bulldogs' downfall.
Run Offense: Prescott and Josh Robinson managed just 34 rushing yards during the opening half before Prescott started to find some room after the break. His running ability was a major difference in a near-comeback by Mississippi State, but the effort would've been enhanced by a two-dimensional attack.
Pass Defense: While the Bulldogs ceded a deep completion to Amari Cooper and Jalston Fowler, it was a product of Cooper's leaping ability and excellent play design. Otherwise, the defensive backfield had a respectable performance.
Run Defense: Mississippi State surrendered just two runs of 10-plus yards and only seven first downs, keeping Sims, T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry under control. Its front seven were simply outstanding, despite giving up two short touchdowns.
Special Teams: Devon Bell had a couple horrid punts, recording a mere 33.8-yard average. Evan Sobiesk buried field goals from 23 yards and 32 yards.
Coaching: The defense allowed just 335 total yards, so D-coordinator Geoff Collins prepared his unit well for the Tide. On the other side, though, Dan Mullen had questionable clock management and play-calling as the final quarter was winding down.
| Pass Offense | A- | B+ |
| Run Offense | B- | B |
| Pass Defense | B | A- |
| Run Defense | A | A- |
| Special Teams | A- | B+ |
| Coaching | A | A- |
Pass Offense: Sims completed 19 of 31 attempts for 211 yards and one touchdown, connecting with Cooper eight times for 88 yards and the lone score. Sims was confident in the pocket and avoided questionable decisions. The offensive line allowed just one sack on 35 dropbacks.
Run Offense: Mississippi State followed LSU's blueprint and kept Sims in the pocket, but the shifty quarterback converted two crucial third downs with his legs. Yeldon and Henry combined for 108 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Pass Defense: The secondary allowed passing lanes underneath but was only beat deep twice. Nick Perry, Cyrus Jones and Landon Collins each recorded interceptions, each of which came in Alabama territory.
Run Defense: Prescott and Robinson were contained all game long, though the former had 58 yards during the second half. Most importantly, however, the defensive linemen disrupted the line of scrimmage and forced runs to be bounced outside—which is not conducive to beating the Tide.
Special Teams: Adam Griffith nailed a 36-yard field goal but pushed a 37-yarder wide right. Freshman punter JK Scott continued his brilliant season with a 45.6-yard average. Alabama limited the Bulldogs to 17.2 yards per kick return.
Coaching: Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart showed his brilliance by calling a weak-side safety blitz that resulted in a safety. The offense, however, struggled at times, but Lane Kiffin relied on Sims to lead the Tide to victory—and he did.
Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.
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