Keelon Russell accounts for four touchdowns as the Crimson Tide turns takeaways into points and pulls away after halftime
STARKVILLE, Miss. | Keelon Russell accounted for four touchdowns and No. 7 Alabama converted four Mississippi State turnovers into 21 points in a 56-23 victory Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium.
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.
