Alabama 38, Mississippi State 0 RALPH D. RUSSO, AP Sports Writer Saturday, November 8, 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (11-08) 12:59 PST STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) -- Brodie Croyle threw three touchdown passes in the first half, including two long ones to Zach Fletcher, to lead Alabama to a 38-0 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday. The Crimson Tide (4-6, 2-4 SEC) snapped a four-game conference losing streak and moved out of the SEC West basement, leaving the Bulldogs (2-7, 1-4) to reclaim their familiar spot. Mississippi State, which has finished last in the division the past two seasons, lost its third straight since coach Jackie Sherrill announced he will retire at the end of the season. Sending the coach out a winner after 13 seasons doesn't appear much of a motivator for the Bulldogs. Opponents have outscored Mississippi State 125-30 during the most recent slide. Sherrill, the winningest coach in school history, needs one more victory to ensure a winning record with the Bulldogs. He is 75-72-2 with three to go. Alabama's first-year coach Mike Shula could only wish every game was this easy. Croyle was 9-of-14 for 183 yards and Shaud Williams, the SEC's leading rusher, ran for 89 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries The Crimson Tide defense was just as dominate, holding Mississippi State to a season-low 152 yards to notch Alabama's first shutout since a 31-0 victory over LSU last Nov. 16. Kevin Fant was 14-of-29 for 100 yards with two interceptions for the Bulldogs. He was sacked at least five times as Alabama linemen Antwan Odom, Jeremy Clark and Dominic Lee pounded the senior quarterback. During Sherrill's time at Mississippi State, he turned the series against his alma mater into a competitive one after years of Crimson Tide domination. The Bulldogs beat Alabama four times from 1996 to 2000. The Crimson Tide has now reclaimed control of the rivalry, winning three straight. This one looked like the old days, back when Sherrill was one of coach Bear Bryant's boys and the Tide would routinely embarrass the Bulldogs. Alabama broke Mississippi State's fragile spirits early. On the third play from scrimmage, Croyle dumped the ball to Fletcher in the flat and the senior turned the harmless looking play into an 86-yard touchdown with the help of several missed tackles. Fant was intercepted on Mississippi State's first possession and three plays later Croyle and Tyrone Prothro hooked up on a 17-yard TD to make it 14-0 less than four minutes into the game. Croyle found Fletcher for another big play in the second quarter on a fourth-and-6 from Mississippi State's 32. With a rusher in his face, Croyle fired to Fletcher on the left sideline. When the Bulldogs' Eric Fuller went for the interception and missed, Fletcher turned for the easy score and a 24-0 lead. >From there, Alabama coasted to its 70th victory over Mississippi State -- its most >over any opponent. ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
