A Top 16 Showdown is set for 6 p.m. Saturday in Davis Wade Stadium.
Gameday: SEC West's Two Winningest Programs Since 2014 Clash Saturday Night
November 10, 2017 | Football
STARKVILLE, Miss. – The SEC West's two-winningest programs since 2014 face off at 6 p.m. CT Saturday as No. 16 Mississippi State hosts No. 2/1 Alabama in what is expected to be a raucous environment inside Davis Wade Stadium. For complete gameday information, visit HailState.com/gameday.
MSU (7-2, 3-2), bowl eligible for a school-record eighth straight season, is riding a four-game winning streak and sits in third place in the SEC Western Division standings. The Crimson Tide (9-0, 6-0) has not lost an SEC regular season game since 2015.
"We have to execute really well in all three phases," MSU head coach Dan Mullen said. "We have to tackle well one-on-one in the open field. We cannot give up big plays. Offensively, we have to play sound football and make plays and win 50-50 balls. We need to win the turnover battle. It's a big game and these are the games you work so hard for to play."
The Bulldogs have been best when they run the football effectively, averaging 259.3 yards per game on the ground, which is a program-best since 1980. The two-headed attack of quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and running back Aeris Williams has proven to be problematic for opposing teams. Fitzgerald has racked up four straight 100-yard rushing games, which is the longest streak by an SEC quarterback in at least 20 years. Williams has put up 86.2 rushing yards per game and been a force after contact.
Defensively, Todd Grantham's unit has forced eight turnovers during the four-game winning streak, including three straight games with a pick-six. They allow only 124 yards per game on the ground, while Alabama is tops in the league in rushing offense at 278.4, which is ninth nationally.
Tickets/Fan Zone
Tickets for the game are sold out. The Davis Wade Stadium ticket office opens at 3 p.m. and all gates will open at 4 p.m. The C Spire Fan Zone opens at 2 p.m. The "Dawg Walk" will take place at 4 p.m. in the Junction. The C Spire Fan Zone schedule is as follows:
4-4:30 p.m.: baseball autographs
4:30-5 p.m.: women's tennis autographs
What To Wear
It's a "True Maroon" game with all fans encouraged to wear maroon.
Viewing Information
The game will be televised live on ESPN with Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Tom Luginbill (sideline) calling the action. Live streaming video is available via the ESPN app and WatchESPN.com. The SkyCam feed will also be available on WatchESPN.com
Listening Information
The MSU Sports Network C Spire Tailgate Show goes live at 4 p.m. Neil Price, Matt Wyatt and Jay Perry will call the game on the network (check for affiliates here). Live audio is also available for FREE at HailState.com and via the TuneIn app. For fans in Starkville, they can tune to 100.9 FM.
Social Media/Live Stats
Live updates from the game are available via MSU's official social media channels: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (click the links). Fans can also follow behind-the-scenes content via SnapChat by searching for HailStateSnap. Live stats are available via Stat Broadcast at MSU.StatBroadcast.com.
Veteran's Day
MSU will salute those who serve with several special Veteran's Day tributes pregame and at halftime.
Clear Bag Policy
Fans are reminded of the SEC's league-wide clear bag policy this season. Fans are encouraged not to bring any types of bags inside SEC stadiums during football games; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted:
— Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
— One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)
— Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand)
— An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at gates B and I of Davis Wade Stadium.
— Full details are available at HailState.com/clearbag.
Golf Cart/Low-Speed Vehicle Policy
Fans also are reminded that all privately owned golf carts are expected to operate in the same manner as an automobile or other motorized vehicle.
— All golf carts must comply with Mississippi Motor Vehicle and Traffic regulations. (See Miss. Code Annotated Title 63-1-1 seq.)
— Operators of private golf carts must possess a valid driver's license and proper insurance identifying the vehicle driven.
— All privately owned golf carts operated on campus must possess a valid license plate.
— Privately owned golf carts may only be operated on streets open for public traffic. Privately owned golf carts will not be allowed access to roadways closed prior to game time, such as Creelman Street, Barr Avenue, B.S. Hood Drive, and Stone Boulevard.
— Without exception, private golf carts are prohibited on any grass or any tailgating areas, such as the Cullis Wade Depot lawn, Fan Fare area, the Junction, West Lawn tent area, or other areas on gameday.
— Privately owned golf carts may not be driven alongside any closed road or on any sidewalks or grass.
— Privately owned golf carts must possess a license plate and have a valid Bulldog Club Parking Pass or Public Paid Parking Pass to park in campus lots on gameday. As with automobiles, golf carts may not exit and re-enter reserved or pay lots on gamedays.
— Violation of these rules could result in the issuance of traffic citations and other penalties, as outlined by state laws and/or university policies.
— Privately owned all-terrain, four wheel, farm utility, "gators" or other side-by-side vehicles are also prohibited on campus.
Smoke Free Campus
Davis Wade Stadium is a clear air facility. Smoking in any form is prohibited on campus. For more details, visit smokefree.msstate.edu.
Weather
The forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures in the mid-50s at kickoff. Temperatures will drop to the upper 40s by game's end.
Series History
MSU and Alabama are meeting for the 102nd time with the Crimson Tide holding an 80-18-3 all-time mark. The Tide have won nine straight in the series and four in a row in Starkville. MSU's last win over Alabama occurred on Nov. 10, 2007 by a score of 17-12 in Starkville.
Times of Interest
Time Clock Event
2:00:00 p.m. — Fan Zone Opens
3:00:00 p.m. — Davis Wade Stadium Ticket Office Opens
4:00:00 p.m. — Gates Open
4:00:00 p.m. — Dawg Walk
4:35:00 p.m. — Team On Field
5:10:00 p.m. 60:00 60-Minute Clock Countdown Begins
5:40:00 p.m. 30:00 Teams Leave Field
5:59:30 p.m. 10:30 National Anthem
6:05:00 p.m. 5:00 Mississippi State Intro Video
6:06:30 p.m. 3:30 Mississippi State Takes Field
6:07:00 p.m. 3:00 Coin Toss
6:08:00 p.m. 2:00 Alabama Takes Field
6:10:00 p.m. 0:00 Kickoff
MSU (7-2, 3-2), bowl eligible for a school-record eighth straight season, is riding a four-game winning streak and sits in third place in the SEC Western Division standings. The Crimson Tide (9-0, 6-0) has not lost an SEC regular season game since 2015.
"We have to execute really well in all three phases," MSU head coach Dan Mullen said. "We have to tackle well one-on-one in the open field. We cannot give up big plays. Offensively, we have to play sound football and make plays and win 50-50 balls. We need to win the turnover battle. It's a big game and these are the games you work so hard for to play."
The Bulldogs have been best when they run the football effectively, averaging 259.3 yards per game on the ground, which is a program-best since 1980. The two-headed attack of quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and running back Aeris Williams has proven to be problematic for opposing teams. Fitzgerald has racked up four straight 100-yard rushing games, which is the longest streak by an SEC quarterback in at least 20 years. Williams has put up 86.2 rushing yards per game and been a force after contact.
Defensively, Todd Grantham's unit has forced eight turnovers during the four-game winning streak, including three straight games with a pick-six. They allow only 124 yards per game on the ground, while Alabama is tops in the league in rushing offense at 278.4, which is ninth nationally.
Tickets/Fan Zone
Tickets for the game are sold out. The Davis Wade Stadium ticket office opens at 3 p.m. and all gates will open at 4 p.m. The C Spire Fan Zone opens at 2 p.m. The "Dawg Walk" will take place at 4 p.m. in the Junction. The C Spire Fan Zone schedule is as follows:
4-4:30 p.m.: baseball autographs
4:30-5 p.m.: women's tennis autographs
What To Wear
It's a "True Maroon" game with all fans encouraged to wear maroon.
Viewing Information
The game will be televised live on ESPN with Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Tom Luginbill (sideline) calling the action. Live streaming video is available via the ESPN app and WatchESPN.com. The SkyCam feed will also be available on WatchESPN.com
Listening Information
The MSU Sports Network C Spire Tailgate Show goes live at 4 p.m. Neil Price, Matt Wyatt and Jay Perry will call the game on the network (check for affiliates here). Live audio is also available for FREE at HailState.com and via the TuneIn app. For fans in Starkville, they can tune to 100.9 FM.
Social Media/Live Stats
Live updates from the game are available via MSU's official social media channels: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (click the links). Fans can also follow behind-the-scenes content via SnapChat by searching for HailStateSnap. Live stats are available via Stat Broadcast at MSU.StatBroadcast.com.
Veteran's Day
MSU will salute those who serve with several special Veteran's Day tributes pregame and at halftime.
Clear Bag Policy
Fans are reminded of the SEC's league-wide clear bag policy this season. Fans are encouraged not to bring any types of bags inside SEC stadiums during football games; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted:
— Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
— One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)
— Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand)
— An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at gates B and I of Davis Wade Stadium.
— Full details are available at HailState.com/clearbag.
Golf Cart/Low-Speed Vehicle Policy
Fans also are reminded that all privately owned golf carts are expected to operate in the same manner as an automobile or other motorized vehicle.
— All golf carts must comply with Mississippi Motor Vehicle and Traffic regulations. (See Miss. Code Annotated Title 63-1-1 seq.)
— Operators of private golf carts must possess a valid driver's license and proper insurance identifying the vehicle driven.
— All privately owned golf carts operated on campus must possess a valid license plate.
— Privately owned golf carts may only be operated on streets open for public traffic. Privately owned golf carts will not be allowed access to roadways closed prior to game time, such as Creelman Street, Barr Avenue, B.S. Hood Drive, and Stone Boulevard.
— Without exception, private golf carts are prohibited on any grass or any tailgating areas, such as the Cullis Wade Depot lawn, Fan Fare area, the Junction, West Lawn tent area, or other areas on gameday.
— Privately owned golf carts may not be driven alongside any closed road or on any sidewalks or grass.
— Privately owned golf carts must possess a license plate and have a valid Bulldog Club Parking Pass or Public Paid Parking Pass to park in campus lots on gameday. As with automobiles, golf carts may not exit and re-enter reserved or pay lots on gamedays.
— Violation of these rules could result in the issuance of traffic citations and other penalties, as outlined by state laws and/or university policies.
— Privately owned all-terrain, four wheel, farm utility, "gators" or other side-by-side vehicles are also prohibited on campus.
Smoke Free Campus
Davis Wade Stadium is a clear air facility. Smoking in any form is prohibited on campus. For more details, visit smokefree.msstate.edu.
Weather
The forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures in the mid-50s at kickoff. Temperatures will drop to the upper 40s by game's end.
Series History
MSU and Alabama are meeting for the 102nd time with the Crimson Tide holding an 80-18-3 all-time mark. The Tide have won nine straight in the series and four in a row in Starkville. MSU's last win over Alabama occurred on Nov. 10, 2007 by a score of 17-12 in Starkville.
Times of Interest
Time Clock Event
2:00:00 p.m. — Fan Zone Opens
3:00:00 p.m. — Davis Wade Stadium Ticket Office Opens
4:00:00 p.m. — Gates Open
4:00:00 p.m. — Dawg Walk
4:35:00 p.m. — Team On Field
5:10:00 p.m. 60:00 60-Minute Clock Countdown Begins
5:40:00 p.m. 30:00 Teams Leave Field
5:59:30 p.m. 10:30 National Anthem
6:05:00 p.m. 5:00 Mississippi State Intro Video
6:06:30 p.m. 3:30 Mississippi State Takes Field
6:07:00 p.m. 3:00 Coin Toss
6:08:00 p.m. 2:00 Alabama Takes Field
6:10:00 p.m. 0:00 Kickoff
Players Mentioned
QB
/ Football
RB
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