The highly anticipated quarterback matchup belonged to Keelon Russell.
Russell looked like a poised weapon running the Alabama offense. He was comfortable in the pocket, decisive with the football and dangerous when he used his legs. The moment never appeared too big for him.
Kamario Taylor, meanwhile, looked very average against Alabama’s defense. The Tide pressured him, disrupted his timing and forced him into mistakes. Taylor has tremendous talent, but this was a reminder that dominating Minnesota, South Carolina and Missouri is different from facing Alabama’s athletes for four quarters.
Mississippi State’s defense also made far too many mistakes. There were missed assignments, poor angles, breakdowns in coverage and too many opportunities handed to an Alabama offense that doesn’t need any help.
The Bulldogs are improved, and Taylor remains one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the country. But today exposed the distance Mississippi State still has to travel before it can consistently beat the SEC’s elite.
Alabama looked like the more talented, more physical and more composed football team.
And in the battle of the young quarterbacks, Keelon Russell made the stronger statement.
—JB
