Bama seeking to stay perfect

By Staff
Alabama has already clinched the Southeastern Conference Western Division title, but the Crimson Tide have their eyes set on a bigger prize – a national championship.
In order to reach the title game, the Tide needs to win the rest of its games, beginning this week at Mississippi State.
The Bulldogs slumped in the middle of the season, but have rebounded to win two of their last three games.
The Alabama offense, which has struggled to reach the end zone in recent games, found its rhythm last week against LSU.
Mark Ingram continues to carry the load for the Tide. He leads the SEC in rushing yards per game with 127.56.
Quarterback Greg McElroy has thrown for 1,721 yards and 11 touchdowns with only four interceptions.
Julio Jones broke out of his slump with a long touchdown reception last week.
McElroy will have to be on target this week as the Bulldogs have returned four interceptions for touchdowns to lead the nation.
Mississippi State also has a dangerous running back in Anthony Dixon. He holds school records in single game rushing yards and is the career leader in rushing yardage, attempts, touchdowns, 100-yard games and points scored.
The Bulldogs will need Dixon to have a big game as the Mississippi State passing attack is mediocre at best and the Alabama defense has kept pressure on opposing quarterbacks all season.
Alabama defensive end leads the Tide and the SEC with .72 sacks per game while Javier Arenas and Eryk Anders have four sacks each.
Leigh Tiffin leads the nation in field goals per game (2.56) and total field goals made (23) to help the Crimson Tide remain perfect so far.
Alabama leads the all-time series 72-18-3, but have lost two of the last three meetings.