Mississippi State Football: Potential Breakout Performers Against Alabama

LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 10: Malik Heath #4 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs looks on during a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 10, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 24-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 10: Malik Heath #4 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs looks on during a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 10, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 24-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
8 of 9
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – OCTOBER 26: Kendrick Rogers #13 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores on a 16 yard pass as Martin Emerson #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs is unable to keep him out of the endzone during the second quarter at Kyle Field on October 26, 2019 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – OCTOBER 26: Kendrick Rogers #13 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores on a 16 yard pass as Martin Emerson #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs is unable to keep him out of the endzone during the second quarter at Kyle Field on October 26, 2019 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Alabama Crimson Tide have an elite passing attack. They are weakened because Jaylen Waddle is out for the year with an injury. Mac Jones still has Devonta Smith and John Meetchie to throw the ball to. Sophomore corner Martin Emerson will be depended on to hold whoever lines up in front of him in check.

Emerson has the length to match up with any Alabama wideout. I expect him to match up with Smith most of the game as he is Alabama’s top WR threat. Emerson will also need to support the run if Najee Harris gets to the second level of the defense.