The Alabama Crimson Tide are entering a strong "trap game" this week against Mississippi State.
After taking down the South Carolina Gamecocks last week, the Alabama Crimson Tide enter their game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs feeling very confident.
After all, Alabama is 4-0 to start the new season, with the team picking up two wins in SEC play. But sometimes, having too much confidence can backfire on a team and this week could spell some trouble for the Crimson Tide.
While Mississippi State has been at the bottom of the standings in recent years, the program has turned everything around this season. The Bulldogs are also 4-0 to start the year, with them being ranked No. 16 in the country entering the game.
Alabama is still favored coming into this game, but the Crimson Tide will need to be very careful in this contest. This game against Mississippi State is one of the classic "trap games" on the schedule, and it could see the team slip up.
With Alabama having a massive game against the Georgia Bulldogs coming up next week, the team could be overlooking Mississippi State. The key will be to focus only on the upcoming game, but this is easier said than done.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer will need to have his guys ready to go both physically and mentally for the game this weekend. Playing on the road in college football is never easy, no matter the location, but SEC road games are a different animal.
DeBoer has already discussed the heavy crowd noise leading into the game, and this is something that he seems very worried about. Alabama will need to start the game strong, looking to quiet down the Bulldogs crowd early on in the matchup.
If Alabama can weather the storm, they have the talent needed to win a game like this. This program has been looking for more statement-type wins under DeBoer and getting a ranked road win in the SEC can do a lot for a team.
The Crimson Tide has everything laid out in front of them heading into this week, but the team will need to take care of business against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs have a ton of weapons that can create problems for Alabama, such as quarterback Kamario Taylor.
For the year, Taylor has thrown for 1,192 yards with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. Taylor has also rushed the ball for 185 yards and one score on the ground.
Limiting him will be key, and the Crimson Tide has a big challenge on its hands this weekend. Kickoff will take place at 9:00 a.m. PT/12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.
