Field Goals on Fourth Down? Not on Mike Leach’s Watch

Alabama routed Mississippi State 30-6 on Saturday. The Crimson Tide's defense displayed dominance thanks to its discipline and excellent corner work, including the starting debut of Eli Ricks.

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One thing to note about the Alabama defense is the amount of times the Tide were required to stay on the field on fourth down. Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach decided that kicking field goals was no way to beat Nick Saban and insisted on keeping the offense on the field during several drives.

The Bulldogs attempted only one field goal in the first quarter, which bounced off of the upright. Every other fourth down situation resulted in either a punt or the Bulldogs attempting a conversion. Mississippi State only punted six times.

Mississippi State was able to convert on four-out-of-seven fourth down attempts, with two of them being on the final drive that lead to the touchdown at the end of regulation.

The Crimson Tide stopped three fourth down conversions and nine-out-of-ten drives overall against the Bulldogs. All three turnover on downs were incomplete passes.

The defense looks to keep up this intensity and finish strong with four games left on the schedule.