Keelon Russell Leads No. 7 Alabama to 56-23 Rout of No. 16 Mississippi State

On October 3, 2026, No. 7 Alabama traveled to Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi, and defeated No. 16 Mississippi State 56-23. The Crimson Tide amassed 483 total yards, out-gaining the Bulldogs 179-18 on the ground for their 17th straight series victory. Alabama’s offense produced four touchdowns by quarterback Keelon Russell—three passing and one rushing—while the defense forced four turnovers that set up scoring opportunities.

WBRC - BirminghamUsNews and World ReportAssociated PressKeelon Russell scores 4 times as No. 7 Alabama routs No. 16 Mississippi State

• Keelon Russell completed 22 of 33 passes for 285 yards and three touchdown passes; he added a 16-yard rushing touchdown.

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• Trae’shawn Brown recorded a career-high two rushing touchdowns and 66 rushing yards.

Keelon Russell scores 4 times as No. 7 Alabama routs No. 16 Mississippi State

• Rico Scott caught two touchdown passes and totaled 56 receiving yards.

Keelon Russell scores 4 times as No. 7 Alabama routs No. 16 Mississippi State

• Lotzeir Brooks contributed four receptions for 96 yards.

Keelon Russell scores 4 times as No. 7 Alabama routs No. 16 Mississippi State

• Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor finished 19-of-34 for 258 yards with three passing touchdowns but also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble that led to Alabama’s opening score.

Keelon Russell scores 4 times as No. 7 Alabama routs No. 16 Mississippi State

• Bulldogs wide receiver Anthony Evans III posted a career-high 12 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

Associated Press

• Mississippi State’s starting running back Fluff Bothwell managed a single 1-yard carry before exiting with a lower-body injury; the Bulldogs recorded only 18 rushing yards in total.

Keelon Russell scores 4 times as No. 7 Alabama routs No. 16 Mississippi State

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer praised Russell’s composure and ball security, noting the quarterback’s “rapid improvement” and “playmaking ability.” DeBoer also highlighted the team’s balanced attack, saying the offense “established a run game” and that the defense “tortured” the Bulldogs’ quarterback.

USA Today

• “You make your mistakes and you learn from it,” — Keelon Russell, quarterback

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• “I’m just trusting the playmakers out there, trusting the O-linemen to block,” — Keelon Russell, quarterback

USA Today

• “He continues to show up when we need him,” — Rico Scott, wide receiver

USA Today

Alabama’s next test comes against No. 2 Georgia the following Saturday, a game that will further gauge the Crimson Tide’s championship aspirations. Mississippi State, after a bye week, is slated to travel to face No. 11 LSU later in the month.

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Both programs entered the contest unbeaten, with Alabama (5-0, 3-0 SEC) and Mississippi State (4-1, 2-1 SEC) seeking to solidify their positions in the early-season SEC race. The decisive victory reinforced Alabama’s status as a contender and elevated Russell’s profile in Heisman Trophy discussions.

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