Alabama Victory Over Mississippi State Comes at a Cost

The Alabama Crimson Tide beat Mississippi State 38-7 to improve its record to 9-1. Tua Tagovailoa, listed as a game-time decision to play, started the game for the Tide. Tagovailoa led Alabama to touchdowns on each of its first five possessions of the game. Tagovailoa’s day appeared over with Mac Jones warming up on the sideline but he returned for a sixth series. Unfortunately on third down Tagovailoa, rolling to his left was caught from behind. He was unable to get up on his own as the medical staff helped him onto the cart to take him into the locker room. Tagovaila suffered a hip injury and was also bleeding from his face.

Tagovailoa looked crisp connecting on his first nine passes in a row; he finished his day connecting on 14/18 passing attempts for 256 yards and two touchdowns. His fast start was overshadowed by the injury he sustained late in the first half. Nick Saban speculated in his post-game interview that the injury, “may be serious.” Tagovailoa was taken by helicopter to Birmingham for further evaluation.

The Crimson Tide was able to return to the win column in Starkville but it appears to have come at quite a cost. Alabama also suffered injuries to defensive linemen Raekwon Davis and DJ Dale as well as wide receiver Henry Ruggs III. Davis was seen after the game on crutches in a walking boot.

Najee Harris carried the load for Alabama out of the backfield, running for 88 yards and three touchdowns; he also caught two passes for 42 yards and another touchdown. Jerry Jeudy led all receivers with seven receptions for 114 yards; Devonta Smith was right behind him with six receptions for 92 yards.  On defense Shane Lee secured an interception, his first of the season.

The injuries suffered by Tagovailoa overshadowed the second half as Alabama was only able to muster up three more points in the game. Everyone will be eagerly awaiting news of the severity of the Tagovailoa injury. Alabama hosts Western Carolina in Bryant-Denny Stadium next week.