Alabama saves undefeated season with late TD vs. Mississippi State

The Alabama Crimson Tide beat the Mississippi State Bulldogs and saved their undefeated season with a late touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to Devonta Smith.

It took until the last minute on Saturday night in Starkville, but the No. 2  Alabama Crimson Tide kept their perfect season intact with a hard-fought 31-24 win over the No. 16 Mississippi State Bulldogs.

From the opening whistle on, it was apparent the Crimson Tide were about to face their toughest game of SEC play by far. Mississippi State took a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter and managed to run the ball effectively against Alabama’s stingy defense, as the contest was played within one score throughout.

Trailing 24-17 early in the fourth, Alabama churned out a 10-play drive to tie the game with 10 minutes to go. Jalen Hurts led the Crimson Tide deep into Bulldogs territory on the ensuing drive, but Andy Pappanastos missed a 41-yard attempt to keep things deadlocked at the 2:03 mark.

Alabama forced a quick three-and-out, giving Hurts yet another chance to lead a game-winning drive. After converting on a third and 15, Hurts hit Devonta Smith on a 26-yard touchdown pass to give the Crimson Tide a stressful 31-24 win.

With No. 1 Georgia going down, the Crimson Tide will now be atop the next College Football Playoff rankings thanks to the touchdown play. In a game where the Alabama defense was tested and Damien Harris didn’t get nearly enough touches, Hurts’ poise on the final drive cannot be overstated.

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The Crimson Tide probably would have made the College Football Playoff if they lost on Saturday night and went on to win the SEC, but that’s a risk Nick Saban would rather not take. With the victory, the Crimson Tide will advance to the SEC Championship Game if they can top Auburn in what should be a terrific Iron Bowl two weeks from now.