Week 11 in college football found the Crimson Tide sitting at 8-1 on the season after a tough home loss to LSU. The general feeling among the players is not one of disappointment, but of determination. The Tide still have an outside chance at a BCS title shot and possible rematch with LSU. In order for that to a happen Alabama not only has to win the rest of their games but win them convincingly, and hope the right teams lose to put Bama in that number two spot. The first order of business is heading down to Starkville to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Interviewed about facing Mississippi State, Tide defensive tackle Josh Chapman said they are just a different kind of tough than most teams and that “they’re all country boys, just country strong and never stop coming at you.” He expects a very physical game.
Tide RB Eddie Lacy is practicing but still limits his exercises to those that won’t irritate his injured toe. Offensive lineman Barrett Jones is routinely wearing an air cast and is listed as day-to-day as is Dre Kirkpatrick, who suffered a concussion and is only participating in drills. Tide linebacker Alex Watkins has been Alabama’s version of Superman, breaking his arm two weeks ago, then having surgery and showing up at practice the next day. He played in the LSU game – to the amazement of his teammates – and is currently still wearing a cast.
Mississippi State boasts a 5-4 overall record and sit at 2-2 in SEC play. The Bulldogs are having a disappointing year, and nothing would resurrect the season like beating the Crimson Tide at home. Alabama is still ranked third in the BCS standings and a mediocre win could cause them to fall, especially if #4 Stanford beats Oregon on the same day. The Tide have to come out guns blazing and dominate this game for four quarters to show voters they are deserving of their current ranking. The Bulldogs are a very solid team defensively, and are capable of keeping games within reach until the very end. The Bulldogs play two quarterbacks and Alabama’s defense should be primed and ready for both of them after facing the same scenario with LSU.
Defense. When the Tide defense takes the field against Mississippi State, the defensive formation and set will depend highly on which quarterback is in the game. When QB Tyler Russell is in the game the Bulldogs are mostly a passing and traditional running team. Russell has arm talent but is prone to throwing the deep ball looking for a big play. This is good news for the Bama D-line and defensive backs. If they pressure Russell effectively, they could have a very productive day.
Chris Relf is more experienced against the Bama defense, having faced them last year and will likely get the bulk of snaps. Relf is similar to Jordan Jefferson in the way the Bulldogs use him in the option game. Relf is a big and athletic and is always a threat to run.
The Bulldogs have struggled to find consistent play at the QB position, and going into a game against the Tide defense isn’t the ideal situation to name a starter. The Tide linebackers will once again be very busy identifying which QB is in the game and making adjustments. Mississippi State coaches lack confidence in Russell, and become predictable when Relf is in the game. The Bulldog running backs are banged up, so points will be difficult to come by. The edge here certainly goes to the Bama defense.
Offense. When the Tide offense takes the field it will likely spell bad news for the Bulldogs. Last week Mississippi State yielded 269 yards rushing to UT-Martin, a perennial scrimmage team and possibly the weakest team on their schedule. Alabama is number one in the SEC in rushing and will take out their frustrations from the LSU game in Starkville.
UT-Martin also threw for 167 yards and one touchdown against the Bulldog defense, which is good news for AJ McCarron and the Tide receivers. Against LSU Maze and Hanks were the only two receivers to record a catch, which says a lot about the youth at receiver. DeAndrew White and Kenny Bell have been surprising at times, but just weren’t ready for a game that big. They need to bounce back this week and continue to grow rather than regress. Look for Alabama to be as balanced between the run and pass as possible Saturday, and re-establish the identity of this offense.
Mississippi State coaches acknowledged their concerns on defense and could make some personnel changes this week. If that happens look for Alabama to go right at the new faces on that defense and challenge them. The edge goes to the Tide offense.
Special Teams. Alabama kickoff and punt cover teams really stepped up and answered the challenge last week against LSU. Against the SEC’s leading return team, Alabama did a good job containing them and being disciplined in their assignments. I look for that trend to continue this week in Starkville.
Bulldogs return man Jonathan Banks is their most dangerous weapon on special teams, with a 65 yard punt return for a touchdown last week. Containing Banks will be the priority and he should get plenty of chances if Alabama plays the way they’re capable of playing.
Tide return specialist Marquis Maze turned his ankle last week in the LSU game and will likely be a game-time decision as far as returns are concerned. He was left in the game on one bad leg last week, so it’s probable that he’ll be the deep man on punts. This one is a draw; Alabama has excellent cover units and return game, but the lack of a solid kicking game levels the playing field.
Odds and Ends.
• OG Anthony Steen could get his first start since suffering a concussion against Ole Miss.
• Alfred McCullough may start at LT if Barrett Jones sits due to a sprained ankle
• RB Eddie Lacy should see increased reps this week and will be under close watch by the staff.
• TE Brad Smelley has been practicing after a shoulder stinger in the LSU game and he may be limited.
• CB Demarcus Milliner could start in place of Dre Kirkpatrick or sub for him if problems arise due to the concussion suffered against LSU.
Overall. Alabama players seem focused on finishing this year as strong as possible and realize this season is far from over. How they respond after losing a game in which they outplayed the opponent will ultimately define the 2011 Crimson Tide. The players understand that and seem to have embraced the idea. We should expect to see a Tide team that’s fully focused and determined to show an ESPN audience that they belong at the top of the college rankings.
LSU seemed to have trouble putting away Mississippi State earlier in the season, and the Tide will be looking to make a statement this weekend. Trent Richardson should have a ton of success and open up opportunities for McCarron in the passing game. The Bulldogs tend to be predictable on offense and that plays right into the hands of Bama’s defense.
Prediction: Alabama 38 – Miss St. 6
Player of the game: Trent Richardson (offense) Courtney Upshaw (defense)