{"id":18233,"date":"2018-11-06T11:00:41","date_gmt":"2018-11-06T16:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosoncfb.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=18233"},"modified":"2025-09-13T15:19:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T19:19:14","slug":"alabama-crimson-tide-know-your-foe-mississippi-state-bulldogs-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2018\/11\/06\/alabama-crimson-tide-know-your-foe-mississippi-state-bulldogs-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Crimson Tide: Know Your Foe – Mississippi State Bulldogs Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Alabama Crimson Tide<\/a> faced their first real challenge of the 2018 season on Saturday night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana against the third-ranked LSU Tigers<\/a>. The LSU offense was not able to progress in this game as the Alabama defense was impenetrable. The Tigers could not get their ground game operating, which led to their inability to pass the ball. LSU\u2019s quarterback Joe Burrow<\/strong><\/a> was running for his life all night as the Alabama defensive line was all over him as soon as the ball was snapped.<\/p>\n

The Alabama offense was kept in check on the scoreboard, but not in yardage. The LSU defense was able to do two things that no one else has been able to do so far this season, however. Alabama had scored on their opening drive in every game so far this season, but LSU was able to prevent that stat from continuing. The Tigers\u2019 defense was also able to force Tua Tagovailoa<\/strong><\/a> to throw his first interception of 2018.<\/p>\n

Although LSU played great defense all night and had the crowd as loud as they have been in a long time, it was not enough to stop Alabama as the Tide shut down LSU 29-0. Tagovailoa was able to increase his season passing yardage to 2,361 and his touchdown total to 27. He also rushed for another touchdown bringing his rushing touchdown total to three. The only downside for Alabama was the kicking game. Joseph Bulovas<\/strong><\/a> had another rough night as the first extra point attempt was botched and hit the offensive line in the backs. After the third touchdown, his extra point was blocked. He was able to make a short field goal late in the first half.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n

This week Alabama will face a high-powered offense led by an explosive quarterback, Nick Fitzgerald<\/strong><\/a>. On Saturday Fitzgerald will lead his Mississippi State Bulldogs<\/a> into Tuscaloosa, Alabama to try to upset the Tide. The Bulldogs have been up and down this season but made quick work of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs by winning 45-3. When you\u2019re on top, everyone is trying to knock you off, so you must Know Your Foe.<\/p>\n

Know Your Foe: Mississippi State Bulldogs Edition<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi State Bulldogs have been good at times this season but have struggled against good teams. The Bulldogs started the season 3-0 by beating Stephen F. Austin, Kansas State, and Louisiana-Lafayette. They lost their next two to Kentucky and Florida and then beat Auburn easily. After a loss to LSU in Baton Rouge, the Bulldogs rebounded with two more wins over Texas A&M and the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech.<\/p>\n

Mississippi State will be facing their toughest test of the season this week as they square off against the unanimous number one team in the nation, the Alabama Crimson Tide. What will it take to knock off the Tide? Outscore them, that\u2019s how. Let\u2019s look at the Mississippi State Offense.<\/p>\n

Offense<\/h3>\n

Mississippi State\u2019s offensive unit has shown flashes of brilliance at times and then they have also been held to single digits when facing a stout defense. They are averaging 29 points per game and 418 yards per game. Here are the key players on offense to watch for:<\/p>\n

Quarterback<\/h4>\n