This might be the most intriguing game of the early window.
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Both Alabama and Mississippi State enter at 4-0, and Starkville gives the Bulldogs an opportunity to prove their unbeaten start is more than an early-season surge. Current market numbers have Alabama favored by roughly 5½ points.
Mississippi State’s best chance is to turn this into a four-quarter game. The Bulldogs don’t want Alabama establishing the run, controlling the clock and putting its quarterback in comfortable down-and-distance situations. State needs some early disruption and probably a turnover or two.
Alabama, meanwhile, should be able to attack a Bulldog defense that hasn’t faced many offenses with this combination of size and speed. The Tide don’t need to dominate from the opening possession. If they avoid turnovers and gradually establish themselves at the line of scrimmage, their depth should become increasingly important in the second half.
Mississippi State hangs around longer than Alabama would like, but the Tide pull away late.
Prediction: Alabama 34, Mississippi State 24
