Back to the Alabama Crimson Tide Newsfeed

Alabama's defense, on a roll, braces for Mississippi State's Prescott

Heather Dinich explains why Alabama's game against No. 17 Mississippi State looms as a potential trap game and stumbling block for their bid to be in the College Football Playoff.

Defense has been among the reasons that the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide have remained front-of-mind in the College Football Playoff conversation. The Crimson Tide rank No. 1 in ESPN’s defensive efficiency and held LSU running back Leonard Fournette to 31 yards on Saturday.

After controlling a punishing running back last week, Alabama faces a different challenge Saturday when it faces the No.