Keelon Russell accounts for four touchdowns as the Crimson Tide turns takeaways into points and pulls away after halftime
Russell threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another as Alabama (5-0, 3-0 SEC) won its first ranked matchup of the season. The Crimson Tide led 28-17 at halftime before putting the game away with four second-half touchdowns.
Alabama finished with 483 yards of offense and held No. 16 Mississippi State (4-1, 2-1) to 18 yards rushing.
Turnovers fuel Alabama's fast start
Alabama scored twice in the opening nine minutes after its defense created turnovers on Mississippi State's first two possessions.
London Simmons forced and recovered a fumble to set up Russell's 15-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Coleman-Williams. Dijon Lee Jr. followed with a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown, quickly making it 14-0.
Mississippi State responded behind quarterback Kamario Taylor, whose touchdown passes to Anthony Evans III and Zion Ragins twice helped pull the Bulldogs within seven.
Russell countered with a 17-yard touchdown run, and Trae'shawn Brown scored from 7 yards out before Mississippi State closed the half with a field goal.
Alabama took a 28-17 advantage into the break.
Crimson Tide puts game away after halftime
Any chance of a Mississippi State comeback faded quickly in the third quarter.
Russell connected with Rico Scott for a 13-yard touchdown on Alabama's opening possession. Caleb Woodson then intercepted Taylor, setting up Brown's second rushing touchdown and extending the lead to 42-17.
Taylor found Evans for a 45-yard touchdown later in the quarter, but the Bulldogs failed on the two-point conversion and did not score again.
Alabama added two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Russell found Scott for his second scoring reception before Austin Mack closed the scoring with a 3-yard run.
Scott's two touchdown catches and Brown's two rushing scores were career firsts for both players.
Alabama defense shuts down Bulldogs' rushing attack
Alabama recorded season highs with nine tackles for loss and five sacks while limiting Mississippi State to 18 rushing yards.
Freshman Xavier Griffin led the Crimson Tide with nine tackles and a sack. Simmons added 1½ sacks and 1½ tackles for loss along with his forced fumble and recovery.
Lee and Woodson supplied the interceptions, while Zabien Brown recovered a fumble.
Lee's defensive touchdown was Alabama's fourth interception return for a score through five games.
Brown led Alabama's rushing attack with 66 yards on 14 carries, while Lotzeir Brooks paced the receivers with 96 yards on four catches.
Georgia awaits in Tuscaloosa
The victory extended Alabama's winning streak over Mississippi State to 17 games and marked the fifth consecutive game this season in which the Crimson Tide scored at least 45 points.
Alabama returns home Saturday, Oct. 10, to face No. 2 Georgia at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC.
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