The Alabama Crimson Tide are about to have some tough matchups on hand, but there is one obvious trap game looming.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have taken care of business the first two weeks of the season, defeating both East Carolina and Kentucky to start the year.
The win over Kentucky was far less dominant than Crimson Tide fans would have liked, as Alabama was trailing 17-13 at halftime. But outscoring the Wildcats 32-0 in the second half will certainly suffice.
Now, the Crimson Tide will host Florida State in a revenge matchup, looking to exact some payback after the Seminoles embarrassed them on opening night last year.
Honestly, I don't think Florida State should be an issue. And I also believe Alabama will beat LaNorris Sellers and South Carolina at home the following week.
But then, on Oct. 3, the Crimson Tide will encounter quite the trap game: a trip to Mississippi State.
Why is that such a dangerous matchup for Alabama? Well, 'Bama will be on the road for one, and road SEC matchups are never easy. But it's not just that.
The Bulldogs look invigorated in Jeff Lebby's third season with the program, having gotten off to a 2-0 start with a pair of convincing wins over UL Monroe and Minnesota. Quarterback Kamario Taylor appears to be the real deal, and Mississippi State also has some impressive defensive players.
Moreover, Alabama will face Georgia the very next week. You don't think it's possible that the Crimson Tide might overlook the Bulldogs?
Mississippi State has a couple of really big tests coming up before facing Alabama. First, the Bulldogs will head on the road to battle South Carolina this Saturday. Then, on Sept. 26, they will host No. 20 Missouri before 'Bama comes into town.
If Mississippi State is somehow able to get to 4-0 for the Alabama matchup, then that game suddenly becomes very scary for the Crimson Tide.
I think the contest will be dicey for Alabama regardless, but even more so if the Bulldogs prove they are a legitimate squad beforehand.
After Mississippi State, Alabama will then begin a stretch of four straight games against ranked SEC opponents: Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M and LSU.
So, yeah: the Crimson Tide need to win in Starkville. It might be so easy, though.
