Nov 13
9:00
AM ET
<cite class="byline">By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com</cite>
http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/tag/_/name/game-predictions-111314
Mississippi State travels to Alabama for the marquee game of the week. The winner is in the driver's seat for the SEC West title and, ultimately, a potential playoff spot. Our writers are split on the outcome of that one, but that's not the only game they disagree on. In fact, the only unanimous pick this week is, somewhat surprisingly, Texas A&M over Missouri. Let's get on with the picks.
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<center>Edward
Aschoff
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<center>David
Ching
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<center>Sam
Khan Jr.
</center> |
<center>Chris
Low
</center> |
<center>Greg
Ostendorf
</center> |
<center>Alex
Scarborough
</center> |
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Mississippi State at Alabama
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Why Alabama wins: This isn?t a pretty Alabama team, but it doesn?t matter. It?s tough as nails and plays so much better at home. Mississippi State is back to being the underdog and Alabama?s defense will force
Dak Prescott to make early mistakes. The Tide are banged up? Yeah, but their SEC and playoff runs are over with a loss. Who wouldn?t want Nick Saban in this matchup?
Alabama 27, Mississippi State 20 -- Edward Aschoff
Why Mississippi State wins: People argue that the Bulldogs have struggled in recent weeks. What if they were just sitting back, waiting for Alabama? I expect this team to be ready and open the game like it did against LSU, Texas A&M and Auburn earlier in the season. And if it comes down to quarterback play, I?ll take my chances with Prescott over
Blake Sims.
Mississippi State 28, Alabama 24 -- Greg Ostendorf