An analysis of Alabama’s victory against Mississippi State on Saturday night:
Offense: Alabama's offensive line struggled for much of the contest. At the start, linemen couldn't create holes for the running backs and allowed quarterback AJ McCarron to get pressured. The line also gave up an early sack. The offense also had a few uncharacteristic turnovers, with McCarron throwing a couple of interceptions and T.J. Yeldon fumbling.
The Crimson Tide showed flashes of their brilliant attack with a few big runs by Yeldon and some long passes from McCarron to his plethora of weapons.
Defense: Alabama's defense had problems stopping the Bulldogs from moving the ball. The Tide went with a "bend, but don't break" gameplan as the Bulldogs drove the ball downfield, but failed to score. The Bulldogs' first touchdown came off a fumble by quarterback Tyler Russell that was recovered in the end zone.
Other than that fluke play, the Bulldogs’ offense couldn’t get any points when it mattered most. Alabama’s secondary is still giving up plays. It has been the unit’s weakest link all season, and the coaching staff doesn’t appear to have an answer to fix the problem.
Special teams: Once again, Alabama's special teams was the best unit on the field. Kicker Cade Foster nailed his field-goal attempts. Punter Cody Mandell continued to make his claim as one of the best in the country with 50- and 60-yard bombs. The coverage units never allowed the Bulldogs to get in good field position.
Coaching: Even though coach Nick Saban warned against the "relief syndrome," the Tide's players still weren't able to get up for its trip to Starkville. Alabama came out flat with its four of its first five possessions ending with a punt. One has to give Mississippi State some credit for playing hard, but Alabama playing at its best is at least three or four touchdowns better than the Bulldogs. Saban and his staff will have an even tougher task next week when Chattanooga travels to Tuscaloosa.
Overall: This game was about what many expected, an ugly Alabama win. The Tide are just more talented than Mississippi State, so even though they only brought their "D" game, the scoreboard will show a big victory. Alabama has two weeks to get ready for what will be an epic Iron Bowl showdown. The Tide will have to play their best football to remain undefeated.
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