Who would have thought in the beginning of the season that Mississippi State and Alabama would be playing for the lead in the SEC West.

Apparently, the only person who thought that is Dan Mullen and his players. Mullen said so in interviews this week- but what does it all mean?

State has had a great year so far offensively and defensively. If it wasn't for AJ McCarron, State qb Tyler Russell's name might be mentioned as a surprised Heisman candidate. He too has played well, throwing 15 touchdowns and only one interception. They also have the third leading rusher in the SEC as well.

State's defense is one of the top defenses in the country in take aways - just like the Tide's defense. So, why is Bama a 241/2 point favorite?

For one, this same defense gave up 31 points to a Tennessee team that only put up 13 points against the Alabama defense.

Another reason, schedule. State's SEC victories have come against Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee. None of these teams have won an SEC game yet.

Factor in that Alabama is playing at home where they rarely lose. The Bama defense is only allowing eight points a game and the Bama offense scores about 41 points a game. That would explain why the Bulldogs are the underdogs.

State normally plays Alabama tough. In last year's game, the Bulldogs would be in it almost to the very end, but missed opportunities and the Tide's running game wore them down and eventually, the Tide won.

If this game were on the road,  Bama would probably put 50 on State, but for some reason the Tide at times, seem to struggle a bit offensively in games at home. But then pick it back up in the fourth quarter.

More then likely, that is what will happen here.

Alabama 35 Mississippi State 10

Alabama Products For Sale: