An SEC program’s surprising insurgency in the college football rankings came to a screeching halt in a weekday game that was supposed to be a coming-out party for an up-and-coming team, but instead the loser saw a serious drop in the polls.
Mississippi State, which came in this weekend as No. 16 nationally by the AP Top 25 voters, previously undefeated and generating real SEC buzz, was dismantled by No. 7-ranked Alabama in a 56-23 decision that exposed significant gaps in their resumes.
A declaration explosion
Alabama dominated from the first drive, forcing four eventual turnovers and its stout Mississippi State defense to a meager 18 yards rushing, while Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell had four touchdowns, three through the air and one on the ground, while completing 16 of 22 passes for 285 yards through the air.
Running back Trae’shawn Brown added two scores for an improved ground attack, and the Alabama defense scored on a 30-yard interception return. Bama improved to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in SEC competition, extending its winning streak against the Bulldogs to 17 games.
Impending fall of Mississippi State
The Bulldogs entered the game 4-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play, following a strong non-conference slate and an impressive start in the SEC.
Kamario Taylor threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions and struggled under constant pressure at the line, as the Mississippi State offense managed just 302 total yards and was shut out in the fourth quarter.
What once looked like a potential contender in college football’s deepest conference now faces a potentially significant drop in the new rankings.
Ranking Implications
Voters in the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll are unlikely to show much mercy.
A 33-point home loss to a top 10 opponent, especially a game with multiple turnovers and a complete inability to pass the ball, usually results in a major drop. Just ask Oregon, Michigan and Texas A&M.
Some pollsters could react harshly and Mississippi State would fall out of the top 25, while most would likely be further down the rankings, depending on how other results pan out.
Alabama, meanwhile, is solidifying its position as a legitimate national title contender and could realistically make a strong case for the top spot if it performs as dominantly next week against Georgia as it has all season.
What is happening now?
The loss itself doesn’t eliminate Mississippi State from serious playoff contention or SEC relevance, but it resets expectations a little five weeks into the season.
Jeff Lebby’s team must bounce back quickly against a remaining schedule that leaves little room for error. They next travel to LSU before hosting Oklahoma, then travel to Texas in a tough three-game stretch that will make or break the Bulldogs’ ambitions.
For a program that briefly gained national attention as an undefeated ranked team, Saturday’s ugly loss was a harsh reminder of the gap that still exists between up-and-coming contenders and true blue-blood powers.
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