Sophomore Dak Prescott has been impressive in his three-game cameo as Mississippi State’s starting quarterback. So impressive that coach Dan Mullen has some decisions to make. Previous starter Tyler Russell has been cleared to return after suffering a concussion in Mississippi State’s opener against Oklahoma State. Russell had the best passing season in MSU history in 2012, but Prescott’s ability to run and throw has been a good fit for the Bulldogs’ offense. Mullen expects Russell to start when Mississippi State plays again Oct. 5 against No. 6 LSU, but it’s likely Prescott will also have a role. Prescott has thrown for 709 yards, three touchdowns and one interception this season. He’s also rushed for a team-high 215 yards and five touchdowns.
Alabama: The Crimson Tide regrouped after a lackluster effort against Colorado State that prompted several team leaders to speak up and a series of one-on-one chats with coach Nick Saban during the week. Saban had said Alabama players were feeling “overwhelmed with expectations.” The result was Saturday’s matchup that turned increasingly one-sided, with the Tide outgaining the Rebels (3-1, 1-1) 434-205 in total yards.
Arkansas: Quarterback Brandon Allen missed last week’s loss to Rutgers with a bruised throwing shoulder suffered two weeks ago against Southern Mississippi. The sophomore practiced sparingly this week, but Arkansas coach Bret Bielema tweeted Friday night that he would play against the Aggies. He did just that, finishing 17-of-36 passing for a career-high 282 yards and two touchdowns — though the effort wasn’t enough to overcome Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M.
Auburn: Jeff Whitaker has yet to play a snap this season, according to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. The senior defensive tackle has missed Auburn’s first four games after having surgery on his right knee before the season opener against Washington State on Aug. 31.
LSU: The Tigers had a 29-game win streak in September since 2006 snapped Saturday. … Georgia’s 7-0 lead in the first quarter marked the first time LSU has trailed in a game all year.
Ole Miss: Saturday’s loss was the first shutout of the Rebels since the Arkansas game in November 1998. Ole Miss was seeking its first 4-0 start in 43 years and a statement win. Instead the Rebels dropped their 10th straight game to Alabama.
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