Before this week is out, even Alabama and Mississippi State fans will be weary of the massive attention given to Saturday's Keelon vs. Kamario contest. Everyone will know the two are buddies. Experts will discuss the comparable skill sets the friends have on the field. We'll be reminded that the pair are two of the youngest starting quarterbacks in college football. Kamario Taylor will start his sixth college game Saturday morning. Keelon Russell will start his fifth.
Crimson Tide fans wouldn't trade Keelon for any other college quarterback, and not for more than a few NFL quarterbacks. The respect for Keelon should not diminish respect for Taylor. He is an exceptional talent, and he might be the best QB Alabama will have to defend this season.
Alabama and Mississippi State are Polar Opposites
The Alabama and Mississippi State program histories are dramatically different. The Bulldogs have zero 'recognized' National Championships, per the NCAA. From the same source, Alabama has won 16 National Championships, and the Crimson Tide claims two more. The Bulldogs have won one SEC Championship, while the Crimson Tide has 30 SEC football titles.
Alabama is no Fastball Offense
Another difference is that Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby is all-in on what Nick Saban used to call, being a fastball offense. If the Bulldogs are not always the quickest up-tempo team, there are consistently top five. Alabama will go fast at times, but nothing close to the pace of State. The Crimson Tide is one of college football's least-fast tempo, offensive teams. What makes this contrast so important and potentially pivotal to the game's outcome is where the contest will be played.
Mississippi State has a unique stadium environment. Opposing fans use different words to describe it: unfair and illegal. The SEC has a rule against artificial noisemakers. State's cowbells are exempt. The exemption allows unthrottled cowbell ringing until the opposing center touches the ball pre-snap. Mississippi State gives its fans clear direction about when to ring and when to yell. Do Bulldogs fans comply? Not always is the response from the fans of State's opponents.
Though cowbells will ring to some extent when Mississippi State has the ball, the Bulldogs' offense will have no problem communicating on Saturday. Alabama's offense will not be afforded the same advantage.
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