College Football Playoff Ranking Projections: Top 25 for Week 12
By Zach Bigalke
Facing No. 2 Alabama at home, No. 16 Mississippi State had a legitimate shot to take down the Crimson Tide and totally throw the College Football Playoff Top 25 into chaos. The Bulldogs led by a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but ran out of gas in the end. Alabama reversed the result for a 31-24 defeat of Dan Mullen‘s squad in Starkville on Saturday night, and the Bulldogs will drop a few spots when the newest rankings are released on Tuesday.
Even though they lost, Mississippi State gave Bama fits for most of the night. Nick Fitzgerald was 13-of-24 passing for 158 yards, and he added 66 yards and a touchdown running the ball. Aeris Williams led all rushers on both teams with 97 yards and two touchdowns. But the Bulldog defense struggled to contain Alabama’s offense for the full 60 minutes and paid the price.
Mississippi State will cling to its spot in the College Football Playoff rankings this week, but they must win out to stay in contention for a possible New Year’s Six invitation. A trip to Arkansas looms in Week 12. The Bulldogs also need to win the Egg Bowl over rival Ole Miss to get to nine wins and keep their hopes alive for a major bowl berth.