The 90 Mile Drive: A lopsided battle for SEC supremacy
In short: Known as the Battle for Highway 82, this rivalry features the geographically closest universities in the SEC. While Alabama dominates the series 87–18–3, occasional upsets have sparked decades of debate, including a disputed 1941 national championship claim and a legendary 1980 upset.
The rivalry between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Mississippi State Bulldogs dates back to 1896, making it one of the longest-running series in the Southeastern Conference. Despite the historical longevity, the matchup has been notably lopsided, with Alabama holding an 87–18–3 lead. However, Mississippi State has secured several historic victories that remain central to their program's identity. Both universities are founding members of the Southeastern Conference. The two campuses are situated roughly 90 miles apart.
A major turning point arrived in 1980, as the Bulldogs defeated the #1 ranked, two-time defending national champion Crimson Tide 6–3 within Jackson. This victory snapped Alabama's 28-game winning streak and a 22-game series winning streak. This match proved so influential that it was subsequently ranked as the 91st greatest finish in college football history since 1970. The Bulldogs restricted the Tide's wishbone offence to just 116 rushing yards. A crucial hit by linebacker Tyrone Keys secured the victory.
The rivalry also features deep-seated disputes over titles. In 1941, the Maroons (as Mississippi State was then known) defeated Alabama 14–0 to secure the school's only SEC Championship. While Alabama finished #20 in the AP Poll that year and claimed a national championship, Mississippi State finished 16th, leading fans to continue clamoring for their own title claim. The Crimson Tide eventually secured the SEC West title despite this loss. Alabama's victory was aided by a blocked punt and three turnovers.
The intensity of the matchup is evidenced by high-stakes encounters, such as the 2014 meeting where an undefeated, #1 ranked Mississippi State faced #5 Alabama. In that game, Alabama defeated the Bulldogs 25–20, even as Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott struggled with three interceptions. The matchup was highly anticipated as the 99th meeting between the schools. Alabama secured the win after scoring a safety in the endzone.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Alabama–Mississippi State football rivalry
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