[ad_1]
Mississippi State Nick Fitzgerald quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) is under pressure from Alabama defensive lineman Johnny Dwight (95) during the first half of a football match. NCAA University, Saturday, November 10, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (AP Photo / Butch Dill) The Associated Press
By JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports writer
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (AP) – Josh Jacobs scored a touchdown and scored a goal. No. 1 Alabama got their second shutout after a 24-0 win over Mississippi State on Saturday # 18.
While quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was still battling his right knee, the Crimson Tide (10-0, 7-0 Southeastern Conference, CFP # 1) turned to defense for another performance of the year.
The offense was off to a quick start but was mostly stopped by the Bulldogs (6-4, 2-4) and the nation's No. 2 defense.
"I think in our time, not only are you judged on your win, but also on your win," said Tide coach Nick Saban. "I never thought I could say that you had style arguments, but our system may be the case.
"We knew it would be a tough match."
Tagovailoa started the fourth quarter on a stationary bike after being checked right knee under the medical tent as a result of a hard blow. He did not return and was not needed, mainly because of a defense overshadowed by an attack that had led the country to score a large part of the season.
Saban said Tagovailoa could have come back if necessary.
"He has been hit several times today," Saban said. "He was hit in the front of the knee and not in the back, that's where his problem was, I think he's fine."
Just after a 29-0 win over the 9th LSU, the tide defense did not grant a point over more than nine quarters.
Alabama had five sacks and the state of Mississippi had four in a difficult day for two quarters.
Tagovailoa was 14 of 21 for 164 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also lost a fumble during a botched exchange with Damien Harris.
The backup Jalen Hurts missed his second consecutive game following an ankle injury.
Jacobs ran for 97 yards in 20 races under the Alabama name. He scored on a run of one meter and a catch of 14 yards.
The Bulldogs placed Harris on the goal line during a late fourth-down attempt.
Nick Fitzgerald was 11 of 20 for 125 yards for Mississippi State, who won 44 yards on 30 rushes.
Alabama scored touchdowns in his first two drives, consuming more than 10 minutes combined with 156 yards. The Bulldogs have for the most part held in check the prolific offensive of the Tide.
Alabama dominated the state of Mississippi with 305-169 yards total.
The third TD of The Tide was set up by a deflated return at 27 Mississippi State in the second quarter.
State of Mississippi: The penalties have reduced the costs of this game, the Bulldogs can not enjoy several promising records. Kylin Hill ran 38 yards, but the run could not go much further.
Alabama: The attack did not last more than 25 meters. The defense had 10 tackles to lose and Alabama did not commit a penalty. The guard Deonte Brown fell with a turf toe.
Alabama tied the school record with its 24th consecutive home victory. The mark was originally set between 1971 and 1974 at Legion Field and Bryant-Denny Stadium.
State of Mississippi hosts Arkansas in another SEC West game.
Alabama hosts the Citadel in what should be a break before the Auburn match.
More college football at colleges: https://apnews.com/tag/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, disseminated, rewritten or redistributed.
[ad_2]
Source link
