Free Pick: Alabama (5-1) at Mississippi State (3-2) 10/16/21

It is very rare these days to be talking about Alabama going into a game after a loss. But, that is where we are with this one. The Crimson Tide lost last Saturday in College Station to Texas A&M, in a shocker. They journey to Starkville to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a game that they should be able to win. But, in this crazy college football season, who knows what might happen. Here are the matchups.

QUARTERBACKS: Alabama is led by Bryce Young who has completed 136 passes out of 196 attempts for 1734 yards and 20 touchdowns. He has been sensational in his first season as the starter. Mississippi State will counter with Will Rogers who has 215 completions out of 284 attempts for 1862 yards and 14 touchdowns. Both are playing well. Advantage: Alabama

RUNNING BACKS: The Crimson Tide is led by Bryan Robinson who has 97 carries for 537 yards and 6 TD’s. The Bulldogs don’t run it much and they have Dillon Johnson and Jo’Quavious Marks who have combined for 69 carries and 305 yards. Advantage: Alabama

RECEIVERS: Alabama has a great one-two punch with Jameson Williams (27 catches for 510 yards and 5 touchdowns and John Metchie (34 for 363 yards). They also have 7 other receivers with at least 10 receptions. The Bulldogs have 3 guys, ( Makai Polk, Austin Williams, and Jaden Walley), who have combined for 89 receptions for 881 yards and 9 touchdowns. Advantage: Alabama

DEFENSE: The Crimson Tide has struggled in the secondary and their defense has given up some big pass plays. They also aren’t as good against the run as usual. Believe it or not, Mississippi State is playing very well on defense. They are limiting their opponents to 87 yards rushing and 317 total yards. Advantage: Mississippi State

It’s been awhile since Alabama has been coming into a game after a loss. Mississippi State could easily be 5-0 as their two losses are by a combined 5 points. However, they don’t have the talent to beat Alabama if the Tide shows up. But neither did Texas A&M and they pulled it off last week. Alabama is a 17.5-point favorite.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS: Alabama -17.5