No.5 Alabama football (9-1,6-1 SEC) traveled to Starkville and defeated Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-6,2-5 SEC) 38-7. Although the Crimson Tide rolled, a harrowing injury dampened the victory.
Last Saturday, Alabama football squandered control of its destiny for the College Football Playoff at the hands of Joe Burrow and the No.1 LSU Tigers. Once the CFP committee ranked the Tide number five, finding a seat among the big dogs appeared unobtainable. As media pundits pounded the table about a weak resume, the Crimson Tide desired to prove to the nation it belonged in the conversation as a legitimate Playoff contender.
However, beating its ninetieth straight unranked opponent into smithereens like a Deontay Wilder challenger is not enough. Total domination from start to finish keeps the Tide in the playoff hunt.
Entering Saturday’s game, the question is which quarterback would take the first snap? Nick Saban cautioned Tua was a game-time decision, as he waited for the medical staff to clear him. Capable backup Mac Jones could easily step in and take the reins against the Bulldogs.
Team captain Tua Tagovailoa grabbed the start, commandeered five flawless drives, and did not appear to have a rusty bone in his body until the last offensive series of the first half. After the cataclysmic series, the 2019 Alabama football team changes forever.
Next, are studs and duds from the game.