SEC Power Rankings: Alabama in class by themselves, LSU sliding fast

Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) reacts after a play in the third quarter of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Davis Wade Stadium. Alabama won 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

After winning six of their last seven games, the Mississippi State Bulldogs had quietly become one of the hottest teams in the Southeastern Conference and climbed all the way to No. 4 in last week’s SEC Power Rankings. Quarterback Dak Prescott was the biggest reason for that strong performance, and the senior signal caller posted statistics better than the ones that made him a Heisman Trophy candidate last season.

And, with Alabama traveling to Starkville just one week after beating LSU, Mississippi State became a major threat to the Crimson Tide’s SEC Championship and national title expectations.

However, Prescott couldn’t overcome a leaky State offensive line that allowed nine sacks, and the Bulldogs couldn’t stop Alabama running back Derrick Henry, who ran for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Simply put, the Bulldogs were dominated at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football.

State also struggled to make big plays, and to contain them. Prescott was 22-for-43 passing for 300 yards and was intercepted for just the second time this season. The QB connected with Fred Ross eight times for 114 yards, including a 41-yarder, and Donald Gray had a 54-yard pass and catch, but the Bulldogs couldn’t break loose and get into the end zone. On the other hand, Alabama scored on a 60-yard pass, a 74-yard run and a 69-yard punt return.

With its upset bid thwarted, Mississippi State must now travel to Fayetteville to face a red-hot Arkansas squad.

Next Game: Saturday November 21 at Arkansas

Next: Georgia