Alabama 2024-25 Opponent Preview: Mississippi State Bulldogs

As the 2024-2025 college football season approaches, the Alabama Crimson Tide will face a formidable Southeastern Conference (SEC) opponent in the Mississippi State Bulldogs. While Alabama has long been a powerhouse in college football, Mississippi State has shown steady improvement under head coach Zach Arnett and is poised to challenge for supremacy within the SEC West division. As the two teams prepare to square off, it’s crucial to break down Mississippi State’s strengths, weaknesses, key players, and overall strategy to understand what Alabama can expect from this matchup.

The Alabama Crimson Tide, ranked year after year among the top teams in the nation, must be prepared for the challenges that the Bulldogs will present. Historically, Alabama has had the upper hand in this rivalry, but Mississippi State has consistently proven that they can compete at a high level. As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, the Bulldogs will aim to prove that they are not only a tough opponent for Alabama but a team that can contend for an SEC title. This preview will analyze the Bulldog’s key storylines, players to watch, and what Alabama must do to secure a victory.

1. Coaching Philosophy: Zach Arnett’s Impact

Mississippi State’s football program is under the direction of Zach Arnett, who took over as head coach in 2023 after the passing of the beloved Mike Leach. Arnett, who previously served as Mississippi State’s defensive coordinator, was a key figure in the team’s defensive resurgence during Leach’s tenure. However, Arnett’s approach differs significantly from Leach’s Air Raid offense. While the Bulldogs are still known for a high-paced passing attack, Arnett’s coaching philosophy has placed greater emphasis on defensive discipline and a more balanced offensive approach.

Under Arnett’s leadership, Mississippi State has seen a shift towards a more physical, run-first mentality on offense. The Bulldogs are likely to adopt a strategy that leans on establishing the ground game, especially when facing a high-caliber team like Alabama. In particular, expect Mississippi State to focus on controlling the clock and limiting the Crimson Tide’s offensive possessions by emphasizing ball control and conservative decision-making.

On defense, Arnett’s influence has resulted in a more aggressive approach, with a commitment to pressuring quarterbacks and stopping the run. His defensive background will be essential in shaping the Bulldogs’ game plan against Alabama’s powerful offense. Mississippi State will attempt to keep the Crimson Tide’s potent offense off balance by employing a variety of blitz packages and disguising coverages. The battle between Arnett’s defensive schemes and Alabama’s offense will be a key point of focus in this matchup.

2. Offensive Strategy: The Transition from Air Raid to a Balanced Approach

While Mississippi State remains one of the more pass-heavy offenses in the SEC, the Bulldogs have moved away from the strict Air Raid system that Mike Leach was known for. This change is evident in the way they approach games and in their personnel. Under Leach, Mississippi State would often put up gaudy passing yards, but the offense was one-dimensional, heavily reliant on the passing game. With Arnett in charge, Mississippi State is seeking to become more balanced and unpredictable.

A major change has been the increase in emphasis on the running game. Players like Jo’quavious Marks and Dillon Johnson give the Bulldogs a formidable rushing attack that complements the passing game. Marks, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance in his ability to both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. He brings a level of versatility that will be key for Mississippi State as they look to create a well-rounded offensive game plan.

At quarterback, Will Rogers is the key figure in the Bulldogs’ offensive strategy. Rogers has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the SEC, known for his quick release and ability to make all the throws in the short to intermediate range. However, with the team’s shift away from the Air Raid, Rogers will be asked to operate within a more balanced offensive system. While Rogers remains a prolific passer, this will be a year where his ability to adjust and control the tempo of the game will be vital.

Rogers will need to prove that he can take on a larger role as a game manager, orchestrating an offense that keeps Alabama’s defense guessing. The dual-threat nature of Mississippi State’s offense, which blends the passing attack with a powerful running game, will require Alabama’s defense to be disciplined in their assignments.

3. Defensive Strengths: A More Aggressive Mississippi State Defense

Mississippi State’s defense has historically been solid but often overlooked in the shadow of their high-scoring offense. However, under Arnett, the Bulldogs’ defense has emerged as one of the more physical units in the SEC. Arnett’s defensive background has allowed him to instill a more aggressive, opportunistic style of play, focused on getting after the quarterback and creating turnovers. This defensive philosophy will be tested in the game against Alabama, which boasts one of the most efficient offenses in the country.

The Bulldogs’ defensive line will be a focal point in their game plan. Jett Johnson, a linebacker who has become the anchor of the defense, will be asked to lead the charge against Alabama’s powerful running game. Johnson’s ability to read plays, tackle effectively, and provide leadership in the middle of the field will be crucial in limiting Alabama’s offensive success. The defensive line, featuring players like Nathan Pickering and Tyrus Wheat, will need to generate consistent pressure on Alabama’s quarterback while also being stout against the run.

Mississippi State’s secondary will also be tasked with facing one of the most talented receiving corps in the SEC. Alabama’s wide receivers, including Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond, pose a constant threat on the outside. The Bulldogs’ secondary, led by Emmanuel Forbes, will need to execute perfectly in coverage, particularly when facing Alabama’s deep passing attack. Forbes has the talent to disrupt opposing receivers and could be a key player in forcing turnovers and slowing down Alabama’s offensive rhythm.

The Bulldogs’ defensive success will hinge on their ability to generate pressure on Alabama’s quarterback and create disruptions in the backfield. Alabama’s offensive line, one of the best in the SEC, will be challenged by Mississippi State’s front seven. If the Bulldogs can limit Alabama’s explosive plays and force them into third-and-long situations, they will have a chance to make life difficult for the Crimson Tide’s offense.

4. Key Players to Watch: Will Rogers, Jett Johnson, and Emmanuel Forbes

Will Rogers (QB)

Will Rogers has been Mississippi State’s most reliable player for the past few seasons, and in 2024, he will be called upon to take on even more responsibility. As the leader of the offense, Rogers’ ability to stay calm under pressure, read defenses, and make accurate throws will be crucial in this matchup against Alabama. While he has consistently put up impressive passing yards, this season, he will need to show that he can effectively operate in a more balanced offense, mixing in the run game and managing the clock against a tough Alabama defense. Rogers’ ability to stretch the field and avoid turnovers will be crucial in keeping Mississippi State competitive.

Jett Johnson (LB)

Jett Johnson is the heart and soul of Mississippi State’s defense. As a linebacker, he brings a combination of physicality, intelligence, and leadership that is vital for the Bulldogs’ defensive success. Johnson’s ability to read plays, make tackles in space, and cover the middle of the field will be critical in slowing down Alabama’s powerful offense. Johnson will have to contend with Alabama’s talented running backs and wide receivers while also ensuring that he stays in coverage to prevent big plays. His performance against Alabama’s multifaceted attack will go a long way in determining Mississippi State’s chances.

Emmanuel Forbes (CB)

Emmanuel Forbes has been a standout cornerback for Mississippi State and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive backs in the SEC. His ability to lock down receivers and create turnovers will be critical in defending against Alabama’s potent passing game. Forbes’ skills in man-to-man coverage will be tested when facing Alabama’s deep threats, and he will need to make sure he stays disciplined and doesn’t allow big plays. If Forbes can get his hands on the ball and create turnovers, Mississippi State will have a better chance of slowing down Alabama’s high-powered offense.

5. Alabama’s Keys to Victory: Control the Line of Scrimmage and Limit Turnovers

For Alabama to secure a win in this matchup, they will need to execute a game plan that plays to their strengths while neutralizing Mississippi State’s top players. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line must control the line of scrimmage and create running lanes for Alabama’s running backs. If Alabama can establish the run game early and keep Mississippi State’s defense on its heels, it will set up opportunities for play-action passes and explosive plays downfield.

On defense, Alabama must be disciplined and limit the big plays that Mississippi State thrives on. The Bulldogs’ ability to stretch the field with Will Rogers and their wide receivers will challenge Alabama’s secondary, but the Crimson Tide must force Rogers into third-and-long situations and generate pressure on him. Additionally, Alabama must focus on controlling the clock and preventing Mississippi State’s running backs from gaining momentum.

Limiting turnovers will be another key factor in Alabama’s success. Mississippi State is an opportunistic defense, and if Alabama’s offense gives the Bulldogs extra possessions, it could put the game in jeopardy. By taking care of the ball and executing their game plan effectively, Alabama can come away with a critical victory in the SEC.

A Competitive SEC Matchup

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2024-2025 matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs will be an exciting and competitive affair. Mississippi State, under the leadership of Zach Arnett, has become a more balanced and aggressive team, both offensively and defensively. Alabama must be prepared for a physical battle that tests their ability to execute in all three phases of the game.

While Alabama enters the game as the favorite, Mississippi State has the talent and coaching to make this a close contest. With Will Rogers at quarterback, Jett Johnson leading the defense, and Emmanuel Forbes in the secondary, the Bulldogs have the pieces to pull off an upset if Alabama isn’t careful. For the Crimson Tide, securing a win in this matchup will require discipline, execution, and the ability to make adjustments as the game unfolds.