Alabama vs Mississippi State head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 5, Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The Breakdown
#11 Alabama edges Mississippi State 66-63, powered by 4.3★ receivers facing a 3.0★ secondary.
When Alabama has the ball: 4.3★ wideouts against a 3.0★ Bulldog secondary — biggest gap on the field, three first-year transfers back there.
When Mississippi State has the ball: 3.0★ O-line versus Alabama's 3.3★ D-line: essentially even, though Tide rushers hold slight star edge.
Swing factor: QB duel: both 4★, but Austin Mack's three years dwarf Kamario Taylor's one.
X-factor: Davis Wade in October, Saturday, Week 5 — Mississippi State gets Alabama at home.