Mississippi State’s Playoff Hopes Rise as Undefeated Bulldogs Face Alabama

Key points

• Mississippi State is 4-0 and ranked No. 16, their highest ranking since 2022, while Alabama is 4-0 and ranked No. 7.
• A victory for Mississippi State would end a losing streak against Alabama dating back to November 10, 2007, the first year of the Nick Saban era.
• CBS Sports projects that a win would raise Mississippi State’s College Football Playoff odds from 22.8% to 43.4%, ranking them 10th in the nation for playoff chances.
• The game is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT at Davis-Wade Stadium, with a sell-out crowd expected and national coverage on ABC.
• Alabama is favored by 5.5 points, but Mississippi State’s momentum is fueled by quarterback Kamario Taylor, who leads the nation in touchdown passes with 14.

Background

Mississippi State has been building momentum under head coach Jeff Lebby, who went 2-10 in his 2024 debut and 5-7 in 2025. The program’s recent surge has attracted recruiting interest, with top prospects now reaching out to visit. The Bulldogs have won two close games this season, including a 31-24 victory over Missouri, and are looking to capitalize on their home advantage against a strong Alabama squad.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports emphasizes the historic significance of the matchup, noting that Mississippi State has not beaten Alabama since 2007 and that a win could propel them into the College Football Playoff. Fox News, however, is skeptical, arguing that Alabama should cover the spread and that Mississippi State is not yet ready to compete with top-tier teams. The official Mississippi State athletics site highlights the team’s defensive strength, noting 15 pass break-ups in their last game, and the national spotlight on the game. ESPN’s source was unavailable due to a technical error, so no perspective could be extracted.

Why it matters

This game is a pivotal moment for Mississippi State’s season. A win would not only end a long-standing losing streak against Alabama but also significantly improve their chances of making the College Football Playoff. For Alabama, a loss could derail their championship aspirations, especially with a tough schedule ahead, including a home game against Georgia. The outcome will also influence the dynamics of the SEC and the broader College Football Playoff landscape.

What to watch

The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at 11 a.m. CT. If Mississippi State wins, they will face No. 1 Texas next, followed by No. 11 LSU and Oklahoma. A loss would likely end their playoff hopes, as their odds would drop significantly. Alabama, if they win, will face Georgia at home in a critical SEC matchup.