One of the bigger surprises of the season is QB Kamario Taylor and the Mississippi Bulldogs, who continue to pile up points and are 4-0. Taylor is 6th in the country in passing efficiency. The passing game is averaging 9.8 yards per attempt and is 13th in the country at 315.5 passing yards per game. Overall, Miss State is 4th in the nation, piling up 533.2 per game and 15th in scoring at 43.0 per game. Alabama is right there with the Bulldogs as one of the top offenses in the country, fourth in points (48.0, with 45+ in each game) and 24th in yards. Keelon Russell is leading the way, 19th in passing yards at 282.25 per game.
Alabama has flexed its way to a 4-0 record by beating mediocre programs like South Carolina, Florida State, and Kentucky. They even had trouble at home with Florida State failing to cover 18.5; however, they managed to score a bunch, getting all four of their games over the total. But I don't think the Crimson Tide are ready for the road at Starkville, Mississippi, and a 4-0 football program that is playing way above their rating, going 4-0 ATS as well. More cowbell, I need more cowbell. Mississippi State comes off of beating a good Missouri squad 31-24. Quarterback Kamario Taylor has thrown 14 touchdowns to only 2 picks and averages 5 yards per rush. It'll be his talent that beats Alabama.
The rain in Starkville looks like it will hold off until Sunday, so I expect a high-scoring game. Alabama’s offense is rolling. The Crimson Tide are averaging 48 points with dual-threat quarterback Keelon Russell under center. Russell has 1,297 total yards and 11 touchdowns through four games. Not to be outdone, Mississippi State star QB Kamario Taylor has thrown 14 touchdown passes and just two interceptions in leading the Bulldogs to a 4-0 record. While Taylor has the offense humming, Mississippi State’s defense is still a work in progress. The Bulldogs allowed 34 points to South Carolina, while Missouri ran 75 plays and piled up over 400 yards last week. This should be a fun game. Bet the over up to 62.5.
If weather doesn't interfere, this top-25 matchup has shootout written all over it. The Crimson Tide have averaged 48 points per game and the Bulldogs 43 PPG this season. Both teams are combining to average more than 1,000 total yards per contest. And I'm not sold on either defense as both have shown leaks thus far. Which young QB, Keelon Russell or Kamario Taylor, takes a step forward towards an invitation to the Heisman Trophy ceremony? Expect at least six combined touchdown passes in the game. Alabama 38, Mississippi State 31.
