Alabama defeats Mississippi State 56-23 as quarterback Keelon Russell excels
Alabama rolled past Mississippi State 56-23 on Saturday, with quarterback Keelon Russell accounting for four touchdowns, while the Bulldogs committed four turnovers.
Alabama (No. 7) beat Mississippi State (No. 16) 56-23 on Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Quarterback Keelon Russell completed 16 of 22 passes for 285 yards and threw three touchdowns, adding a rushing score in the second half. Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor threw two interceptions and the Bulldogs turned the ball over four times, including a fumble on the opening drive.
The Crimson Tide built a 35-17 lead early in the second half and extended it with a touchdown drive that featured a 10-yard pass to Caleb Woodson after Taylor overthrew running back Kolin Wilson. Trae'Shawn Brown added his second rushing touchdown shortly thereafter, sealing the victory.
Mississippi State, which entered the game 4-0, saw running back Fluff Bothwell leave with an injury after one carry. Taylor finished with 258 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions before exiting in the second half.
Alabama, which began the season ranked No. 13 in the AP Top 25, now appears positioned as a national title contender as it prepares for a Week 6 matchup with No. 2 Georgia. Mississippi State will have a bye before traveling to face No. 11 LSU, then hosting Oklahoma and later playing No. 1 Texas on Halloween.