How to watch Mississippi State vs. Alabama: Game guide, TV schedule, streaming, odds

After Saturday, one of the SEC’s two leading Playoff hopefuls will likely find themselves out of the top four. No. 1 Mississippi State travels to play No. 5 Alabama in one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.

Mississippi State is 9-0 for the first time in school history and could be breaking out some new uniforms in this one. The Bulldogs’ balanced offensive attack has led to a lot of points and they’ve been helped by strong defensive play -- they rank in the top-16 nationally in points per game (39.8) and point allowed per game (19.7). Heisman candidate Dak Prescott leads the way at quarterback with 29 total touchdowns, and bowling ball running back Josh Robinson could give a stellar Alabama defense problems as well.

The Tide have been up to their usual defensive tricks, ranking second in the nation by allowing just 13.9 points per game. The offense has struggled at times under new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, but there have been bright spots -- particularly the 59-0 beatdown of Texas A&M and the awesome trick play they used to beat LSU. Alabama’s only loss this season was a six-point defeat at Ole Miss (the top scoring defense in the country), but they remain in strong Playoff position if they can win out.

Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET.

TV: CBS.

Radio: Here’s a list of affiliates for Mississippi State. Here’s one for Alabama.

Online streaming: CBS Sports.

Rankings and records: Mississippi State is ranked No. 1 in both Polls. Alabama is ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll and No. 3 in the Coaches Poll. The Bulldogs are 9-0 this season with a 5-0 SEC record, while the Tide are 8-1 with a 5-1 record in conference play. Alabama holds a 76-18-3 lead in the all-time series, and has won the last six games in a row between the two schools.

Vegas: Alabama opened as 6.5-point favorites. The line has since moved to 7.5.

Weather forecast: High of 56 and partly cloudy.

Mississippi State still has their undefeated season on the line, with a strong finish needed to keep their Playoff standing.

A second loss for Alabama could eliminate them from Playoff contention.

Dak Prescott vs. Alabama front seven. The Heisman contender may have fallen a bit behind Oregon’s Marcus Mariota in recent weeks, but he’s still one of the most dangerous offensive players in the conference. Prescott can hurt you through the air or on the ground, and his ability to power through in short-yardage situations has helped the Bulldogs on third downs (46.6 percent on the year).

For more on Alabama, head over to Roll Bama Roll. For full Mississippi State coverage, check out For Whom the Cowbell Tolls.