Mississippi State drops SEC showdown to Alabama

Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Mississippi State drops SEC showdown to Alabama as Kamario Taylor struggles

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 3, 2026 3:38 PM ET

For the first time this season, a defense has made Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor look like a below average quarterback.

That happened at the hands of the Alabama Crimson Tide defense as they forced a whopping four turnovers in a blowout 56-23 win on the road in Starkville.

Kamario Taylor had his worst game of the season by far

While yes, the box score will show that Taylor reached nearly 300 yards passing and threw three touchdowns, it's important to note that a good majority of those came with Mississippi State trailing by double digits and by as many as 25 points.

Taylor's first two drives on the field resulted in a lost fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown. The two early turnovers led to 14 Alabama points, and it was something that Taylor and the offense were just never able to overcome.

Kamario Taylor fumbles on the opening drive against Alabama pic.twitter.com/bSDeBTPTFA
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 3, 2026

@Dijon_leeJr

: ABC pic.twitter.com/i2Tn5m7viC
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 3, 2026

Keelon Russell shined for Alabama

Opposite of Taylor at quarterback was true freshman Keelon Russell and he was outstanding for the Crimson Tide. Russell completed 16-of-22 passes for 285 yards with three touchdowns. He also added five carries for 16 yards with a touchdown on the ground.

It was an all-world performance from Russell when most of the focus headed into the game was on Taylor and the incredible start to the season for Mississippi State.

Unreal

: ABC pic.twitter.com/XXS34wBnBV
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 3, 2026

1️⃣2️⃣@Pres1dential

: ABC pic.twitter.com/dWbM1MllTz
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 3, 2026

Kamario Taylor's health will need to be monitored

After a rough first three quarters on Saturday, Taylor did leave the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent injury. It is important to note that he limped off the field several times in Week 4 against Missouri, so it may be a lingering issue from that game.

Mississippi State will have its bye in Week 6, meaning that Taylor will have an extra week of rest and recovery before a likely Top 25 matchup in Week 7 against LSU.

Without its star quarterback, Mississippi State is a completely different team and offense, so they'll need him to recover and get healthy for the remainder of the season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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