Mississippi State is giving Alabama a good game so far in a battle of defenses, but the Bulldogs trail the top-ranked Crimson Tide at the half 10-0.
AJ McCaron threw a rare interception in the second quarter but made up for his mistake once he got the football back. Late in the first half McCarron turned a slim 3-0 lead in to a double-digit lead with a touchdown pass to Brian Vogler. TJ Yeldon gave the late first half touchdown drive some life by breaking one of just three plays to go for over 10 yards in the first half for Alabama.
Mississippi State had a 73-yard drive in the second quarter that drove all the way down inside the five-yard line, but a crucial penalty on third down was accepted to push the Bulldogs back and they were unable to pick up any points when a fourth down field goal attempt by Evan Sobiesk flew right of the goal posts. That was as close as Mississippi State has been to sniffing any points so far tonight, but the defense has really come through to keep them in the game.
A win by Alabama will clinch a spot in the SEC Championship Game. Mississippi State can do whatever they want on defense but unless their offense can put any points on the scoreboard this game may already be over. It was not the best showing for Alabama so far, but we will see what adjustments get made at halftime. Expect Nick Saban to find what needs to be done.
