Mississippi State football is undefeated after four weeks and ranked No. 16 in the nation, but its biggest test yet comes this weekend, when the Bulldogs welcome No. 7 Alabama to Starkville.
In what’s easily the most-anticipated Mississippi State game so far this season, and arguably the most-impactful game to be played at Davis Wade Stadium in years, a win for the Bulldogs (4-0, 2-0 SEC) could catapult them into the College Football Playoff conversation for the first time in more than a decade, when it began. A win for Alabama (4-0, 2-0) would only further the Crimson Tide’s case to make the CFP for the third time in four seasons.
Here’s what else to know about the matchup, including how to listen to it on the radio and watch it on TV.
Kickoff time for Mississippi State-Alabama
Mississippi State and Alabama will kick off inside Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m. CT.
How to listen to Mississippi State-Alabama
Like all Bulldog football games, Mississippi State and Alabama will air on participating SuperTalk Mississippi stations.
To find a station in your area, click here. You can also listen on the SuperTalk app, available on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
How to watch Mississippi State-Alabama
Mississippi State and Alabama will air live on ABC.
Before the game, “SEC Nation” will broadcast from the Junction from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT with the episode airing on ESPN’s SEC Network.
Mississippi State-Alabama quick shots
— This will be the 109th all-time meeting between Mississippi State and Alabama. In what’s been a historically lopsided series, the Crimson Tide hold an 87-18-3 advantage, with the last meeting being a 40-17 Alabama win in 2023. Mississippi State has not beaten Alabama since 2007.
— For this year’s game, Alabama opened as a 5.5-point favorite. The Crimson Tide are 3-1 against the spread in 2026, while Mississippi State is 4-0 against the spread.
— Jeff Lebby is in his third season with Mississippi State, holding a 4-18 record, while Kalen DeBoer is in his third season since succeeding Nick Saban. DeBoer has a 20-8 record, including a 2025 CFP berth, since taking the job in Tuscaloosa in 2024.
— Mississippi State’s offense has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 season, currently ranked No. 4 in the FBS with 533.3 yards per game. The defense, under former head coach and new defensive coordinator Zach Arnett, ranks No. 74 in the FBS with 353.8 yards per game.
— Alabama holds steady in team rankings, placing in the top 50 in both yards per game (471.5/No. 24 in FBS) and yards allowed per game (315.3/No. 47).
— Both teams can score. Mississippi State’s 43 points per game is No. 15 in the FBS, while Alabama’s 48 points per game is No. 4. Alabama leads the FBS in red zone offense, scoring on 100% of trips.
— Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor has played his way into the Heisman Trophy conversation. The sophomore currently has the third-best odds (+750) to win the trophy, according to FanDuel. Through four games, Taylor has passed for 1,192 yards and 14 touchdowns with two interceptions. He’s added 185 yards and a score with his legs.
— Right behind Taylor in those same Heisman odds is Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (+1100). Russell has thrown for 1,129 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s added 168 yards and three scores on the ground.
— Weapons for Taylor include wide receiver Anthony Evans (408 yards on 28 catches, 3 TDs) and running back Fluff Bothwell (402 yards on 73 carries, 3 TDs).
— Weapons for Russell include wide receiver Ryan Williams (333 yards on 17 catches, 3 TDs) and running back Daniel Hill (225 yards on 46 carries, 4 TDs).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.