Alabama Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Alabama Crimson Tide mascot Big Al waves a flag in the end zone during the second half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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The annoying, almost deafening sound of cowbells makes this a bit more challenging, but the safe money is on Alabama winning this comfortably.

Expect Nick Fitzgerald to accumulate plenty of yards on the ground, although points will be hard to come by. Alabama will miss the sideline-to-sideline tenacity provided by Reuben Foster, although the team still has plenty of talent.

The Bulldogs don’t possess much on the offensive line, so while Fitzgerald may have success at first, he likely won’t find sustained success. Wide receiver Jamal Couch could be a mismatch for the Alabama secondary though.

Miss State’s defense doesn’t look great on paper, especially a porous secondary. Expect a big game from Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley. Alabama is going to try to exploit the Bulldogs’ weak secondary while offering Jalen Hurts a chance to show off his progress.

Final Score: Alabama 42, Mississippi State 13 (10-0, 7-0 SEC)

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