Alabama rose to No. 7 in the AP and coaches’ polls after beating South Carolina 49-18. Next, it faces Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor, who has 1,192 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions through four games. Keelon Russell says the two are close friends.
Tight end Josh Ford’s one-handed touchdown catch was his 14th career reception and his third touchdown. Ford, Kaleb Edwards and Marshall Pritchett combined for seven catches and 107 yards.
Alabama’s defense allowed more than 400 yards and has shown a tendency to give up big plays in recent weeks. It stopped South Carolina on fourth-and-2 through Red Morgan and Caleb Woodson; the blog identifies Mississippi State’s explosive offense as the next test.
