What we learned from Alabama’s emphatic win over Mississippi State
The question all week leading up to Alabama’s matchup with Mississippi State was how the Tide would respond following last week’s loss to Texas A&M. To say Alabama answered the bell would be an understatement.
Alabama just completely dominated the Bulldogs 49-9 in Starkville. In a game in which the Tide never trailed, it reminded the Alabama faithful of what this team can and should be. The offense was balanced and the defense forced turnovers and did not allow a single touchdown.
Each week we look at a few of the things we learned from the Tide’s performance, let’s see what we learned this week!
Attitude and focus mean everything
Michael Chang/Getty Images
Baseball legend Yogi Berra famously said “half the game is 90% mental”, and while that has made for some laughs over the years, Yogi was really onto something.
This Alabama team proved against Mississippi State that when its focus and mentality is on all the right things, they are an elite team.
Traeshon Holden can be a weapon for Bryce Young
AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis
The Alabama wide receiver corp received a boost in Starkville. Veteran John Metchie finally woke up and delivered the performance Tide fans have been waiting for, but the biggest surprise was Traseshon Holden.
Coming into the matchup with Mississippi State, Holden had only totaled six catches for 75 yards on the season. Against the Bulldogs, Holden exploded for three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Holden’s combination of size and speed could give the Tide that valuable third option at receiver.
Roydell Williams provides big play ability from the backfield
Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
When Jase McClellan went down for the season with an injury it meant sophomore running back Roydell Williams would see his role increase. Williams responded this week with a strong performance.
We all know that Brian Robinson Jr. is not really a threat to bust a long run, he is more of a keep the chains moving power back. Williams provides the perfect complement to Robinson. Williams’ burst and big-play ability were on full display last night as he racked up 78 yards rushing on 11 carries.
With tight ends Jahleel Billingsley and Cameron Latu struggling a bit, we might see more formations with Robinson and Williams in the backfield at the same time.
Bryce Young just keeps getting better
AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis
Bryce Young came to Alabama with extremely high expectations, but I have to be honest, he has exceeded those expectations in my opinion.
Young shredded the Bulldogs defense to the tune of 348 passing yards and four touchdowns while completing over 70% of his passes.
On the season Young has passed for 2,082 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. Young currently sits in the driver’s seat for the Heisman Trophy.
Will Anderson is probably the best player in the country
Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Will Anderson Jr. simply owned the Mississippi State offensive line last night. Anderson accounted for four sacks in the game and pressured Will Rogers on what seemed like every drop back.
Anderson constantly battles double teams, and in some cases, triple teams, but his relentless motor and effort create havoc in the opposition’s backfield.
I don’t believe it’s crazy to think that Will Anderson Jr. might just be the best player in the country.
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