PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Nick Fitzgerald has fared well the past two games. Fitzgerald completed 62 percent of his passes for 484 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions while also rushing for 195 yards and two more scores.
–LB Erroll Thompson is second on the team with 62 tackles this season and has also added four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions. Thompson has an 88.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, which is tops among SEC linebackers.
–WR Deddrick Thomas led the Bulldogs with 70 yards receiving against Louisiana Tech and also scored his first touchdown of the year. Thomas also excelled in the return game and finished with a team-high 131 all-purpose yards.
–K Scott Goodman has been solid in his kickoff specialist role as a walk-on true freshman. Goodman even added a pair of tackles in coverage last week against Louisiana Tech.
SERIES HISTORY: Alabama leads 80-18-3 overall and 43-9-1 in Tuscaloosa.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “You’re not going to make a living handing the ball off up the middle against this front. It’s just not realistic. We have to be creative in the ways that we run the ball and creative in the ways we get it on the perimeter and, quite frankly, being able to protect and get guys open. It is going to be a huge challenge. This is an excellent defense.” — MSU coach Joe Moorhead.
