GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald is a dual-threat whose ability to run has to be respected, but Alabama opponents will probably keep trying to test Alabama’s cornerbacks. LSU tried … but didn’t succeed. The Tigers targeted true freshman Patrick Surtain II seven times, completing three passes, last Saturday. Saivion Smith also was targeted seven times, but he didn’t give up a gain of more than 8 yards.
DRAFT SLANT
–LT Jonah Williams, called the best blocker in the country by NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst Rob Rang, had six knockdown blocks last Saturday against LSU, the third time this season he has had that many. Williams, a junior likely to declare for the 2019 draft, helped the Tide average 7.6 yards per carry last week. Alabama rushed for 281 yards, its most against LSU since 2002. He did not allow a sack or a pressure.
ROSTER REPORT:
–RB Najee Harris is dealing with a sprained ankle. Coach Nick Saban said Monday that he is “day-to-day.”
–WR Henry Ruggs III had X-rays on his ankle and foot last week at LSU but is expected to be “fine,” coach Nick Saban said.
–WR DeVonta Smith did not start against LSU after suffering a hamstring injury against Missouri. He did play and did not appear to have a setback.
–CB Trevon Diggs, a starter, is out indefinitely because of a fractured foot.
–CB Jalyn Armour-Davis, a freshman who was the fifth cornerback on the depth chart, is out for the season because of a knee injury.
–S Daniel Wright, a sophomore, is out for the season because of a shoulder injury.
–OLB Terrell Lewis suffered a torn ACL over the summer during a workout and is working to get back this season. He was limited to four games because of an arm injury last season and was expected to be a key part of the OLB rotation.
–OLB Chris Allen, a sophomore, is out for the season because of a knee injury.
=========
