If you were to ask any random college football fan on the street what conference the Alabama Crimson Tide played in, you’d probably get the answer of “the Southeastern Conference.”
And, while that’s technically true, Saturday’s 38-7 win against a 7-0 Mississippi State Bulldogs squad proved Alabama to be in a league of its own.
The game certainly wasn’t a perfect performance: the Tide offense stuttered midway through the game, the defensive secondary gave up too many long pass plays, and the Tide committed a few unnecessary penalties.
But, after jumping out to a 21-0 lead shortly into the second quarter, it wasn’t necessary for the Tide to play lights out the entire game.
To put it simply, Alabama is just better – against MSU and every other opponent they’ve faced. The Tide is bigger, faster, more physical and more athletic than any of its opponents so far. Remember when people thought Alabama-Michigan had a chance to be competitive? Remember when people said Alabama-MSU would be a tough game? It seems so long ago now.
It just seems like Alabama has an answer for everything their opponent throws its way. If opponents want to throw the ball, the secondary can pick one off at any time, as shown by safety Robert Lester’s pick in the end zone from near the goal line.
If opponents try to run it, well, they can just forget about it. It’s a lot like running into a brick wall: you’d be better off not doing it. Just ask MSU’s LaDarius Perkins, who, before the game, was the SEC’s leading rusher. He gained 38 yards on the ground against the Tide.
Offensively, if opponents want to drop eight in preparation for an AJ McCarron aerial assault, all Alabama has to do is hand the ball off to Eddie Lacy or T.J. Yeldon and watch as they gash the defense – Yeldon had four rushes of over 10 yards against the Bulldogs.
If opponents want to load the box, McCarron has one of many talented wide receivers to throw to make defenses pay, as evidenced by his 57-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Bell. Johnthan Banks, widely regarded as MSU’s best secondary defender, was in coverage.
Even on special teams, Alabama is proving its dominance. Punter Cody Mandell is playing lights out for Alabama, booming it upwards of 50 yards every time he touches the ball. He also has great touch, always giving his defenders a chance to down the ball deep in the opponents’ own territory.
Landon Collins has been making big tackles on kick coverage, Cyrus Jones is proving to be an able returner for the Tide, and opposing kickers and punters need to be on the lookout for the Tide rush: Alabama has blocked two kicks on the season, one of them against MSU, and blocked a punt, as well.
All in all, the game against Mississippi State epitomized the playing style of the Crimson Tide this year. Outside of the moments Alabama struggles in the game, it’s nearly impossible to beat them.
