It’s rare when you get a winning team with the league’s best quarterback as a home underdog of 7-points, but that’s the situation surrounding Saturday’s SEC showdown in Starkville when No. 20 Mississippi State hosts third-ranked Alabama.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Mississippi State Bulldogs +7
Alabama Crimson Tide -7
Over/Under 49.5
Alabama is up to an 8-point favorite with a rising total to 52.
WHEN THE ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE HAVE THE BALL
The cowbells and video board volume will be cranked up as the Bulldogs try to slow Derrick Henry and the ‘Bama ground game. Earlier this season LSU rushed for 266 yards on 47 carries, and while Alabama is more balanced on offense, they will ride Henry; the SEC’s No. 2 rusher with 1,254 yards.
Senior quarterback Jake Coker will take some shots at a Bulldogs secondary that has suffered the injury bug.
Alabama had its most complete game on offense last week in taking out rival LSU 30-16 with 28 first downs and a 434-182 yards advantage. But the challenge is great again this week as Mississippi State has a big defensive line with a pair of defensive ends that are among the league leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. Linebacker Richie Brown leads the Bulldogs in tackles and is among the SEC’s leaders in sacks and tackles for loss.
WHEN THE MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS HAVE THE BALL
Quarterback Dak Prescott has led the Bulldogs to a 7-2 record with over 2,300 passing yards and a sensational 18-to-1 TD:INT ratio running the spread offense. He also leads the team in rushing with 418 yards.
The running game could be better at 147 yards per game, but teams don’t run on the ‘Tide defense that ranks No. 1 in the nation allowing just 76 rushing yards per game. So it’s up to Prescott to beat ‘Bama through the air and escape pressure while his offensive line provides protection.
Alabama leads the SEC with 29 sacks, but Prescott is going to make plays to his two top targets, Fred Ross and 6-foot-5 De’Runnya Wilson. Both had over 100 yards receiving in last week’s win at Missouri.
LIVE BETTING AND TRENDS
Alabama is on a 0-4 ATS run following their game versus LSU.
Mississippi State is 18-8 ATS at home under head coach Dan Mullen including 5-1 ATS as a ‘Dog of 7 or more points.
Mississippi State will be ready for the ‘Tide, as Alabama ended the Bulldogs perfect season last year and knocked them from the No. 1 national ranking following a 9-0 start. Should Alabama score first, the live betting alternate line on Mississippi State will be worth taking, as Prescott has the ability and receiving corps to strike and make plays in the passing game.
Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen noted his team has improved significantly each of the past four football games and is ready for the challenge facing Alabama. The death and emotional impact of redshirt defensive end Keith Joseph, Jr. and his father Keith Sr. in a car accident last week is tough to gauge. But the Bulldogs are very capable of keeping this close so look their way in the live betting market.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Mississippi State Bulldogs will start at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 17, 2015, at Davis Wade Stadium. The matchup will be televised live on CBS.
