Recap: Alabama vs. Miss State
Sports Network | November 15, 2008
Tuscaloosa, AL (Sports Network) - Javier Arenas' exploits on special teams, which included an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown, helped top-ranked Alabama overcome a rather anemic offensive effort in the Crimson Tide's 32-7 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Arenas finished with 153 yards on six punt returns, setting up another touchdown for the SEC West champions with a 46-yard return in the first half.
John Parker Wilson was less than stellar, throwing for 148 yards on 10-of-17 efficiency while adding a rushing touchdown for Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC), which closes out its regular season November 29 at home against in-state rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Mark Ingram and Glen Coffee led the rushing attack with 78 and 71 yards on the ground, respectively, with Ingram posting a TD for the Tide, who will likely remain atop the Bowl Championship Series rankings and has a December 6 date with No. 3 Florida in the SEC title game standing in their way of a national championship.
The Bulldogs had little success against a stout Alabama defense, as Tyson Lee passed for 132 yards and a touchdown on 11-of-28 attempts. Anthony Dixon was also stymied to the tune of 26 yards on 11 carries for Mississippi State (3-7, 1-5) which was coming off a bye after losing to Kentucky 14-13 and had beaten 'Bama in its previous two meetings.
Jamayel Smith accounted for MSU's only touchdown on a 31-yard reception.
