The Alabama Crimson Tide are facing a different kind of test heading into Week 5.
The Alabama Crimson Tide certainly put together a tremendous performance over the weekend, routing South Carolina by a score of 49-18 and getting out to a 35-3 lead in the process.
It marked a sharp turn from previous weeks, where Alabama had gotten off to slow starts, dug early holes and had to climb back.
That certainly wasn't the case against the Gamecocks, as Keelon Russell and Co. dominated from start to finish.
But now, heading into Week 5, the Crimson Tide will be facing a different kind of test against Mississippi State.
I had this circled as a trap game for Alabama weeks ago, but that is no longer the case. The Bulldogs have proven themselves to be a genuinely terrific football team, which might actually benefit the Crimson Tide heading into the contest.
Mississippi State topped South Carolina 41-34 in Week 3 and then turned around and beat Missouri by a score of 31-24 this past Saturday.
The Bulldogs are now ranked 16th in the AP Poll, and it's worth noting that Mississippi State also boasts the fourth-best offense in the country, averaging 533.3 yards per game.
Defensively, Mississippi State is a bit softer as a whole, ranking 13th in the SEC, but it has a couple of terrific cornerbacks in Kelley Jones and Jett Jefferson who could pose some problems for Alabama's receivers.
That's especially considering that Jones (6-foot-4) and Jefferson (6-foot-1) both bring tremendous size to the table.
But really, the primary focus should be on Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor, who is an early candidate for the Heisman Trophy award.
For as well as Russell has played over the first four games, Taylor has been even better, having thrown for 1,192 yards, 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions while also rushing for 185 yards and a score.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound sophomore is quickly establishing himself as a top prospect for the 2028 NFL Draft, and he is spearheading what could end up being the best year for Mississippi State football in over a decade.
Running back Fluff Bothwell is a load in the backfield, as well, so the Crimson Tide defense will have its work cut out for it this Saturday — and on the road, to boot.
Alabama has looked terrific so far and is one of the most talented teams in the country, but the Bulldogs are no joke. The Crimson Tide will have to be very careful in Starkville.
