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Mississippi State football: 3 burning questions after Bulldogs’ loss vs. Alabama

By Ethan Lee

STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 30: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against Zakari Tillman #16 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 30: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against Zakari Tillman #16 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Antonio Harmon (81) runs the ball while defended by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Caleb Downs (2)
Sep 30, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Antonio Harmon (81) runs the ball while defended by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Can the Miss. State Bulldogs offense improve on third down?

There were many issues with Mississippi State’s offensive performance against the Alabama Crimson Tide. It was flat out offensive, if you will.

But one key and rather large glaring issue is how the Bulldogs really struggled to sustain a drive against the Crimson Tide’s defense. Yes, the Mississippi State football team does indeed have some talent. Yes, Alabama’s defense is really good and is more talented.

But still. Going five for 13 on third downs and then failing to convert a single of the fourth down attempts was part of why this game was so disastrous for MSU.

And it’s not like Alabama really thrived in this regard. The Crimson Tide couldn’t complete 50 percent of its third down attempts. But Alabama was able to take advantage of multiple big, explosive play opportunities and put up points rather efficiently.

And that wore down Mississippi State as the game went on.

There are a lot of issues with the defense and many of them have to do with depth. Believe it or not, Mississippi State lost seven starters from last year’s defense and the Bulldogs have had some injury issues on this side of the ball.

If the offense could help them out and sustain a few drives here and there (and put up some points occasionally as well), then maybe we’d see a more rested defense out on the field.

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