Alabama beats Mississippi State 56-23 as Russell shines

Alabama defeated Mississippi State 56-23 in Starkville on Saturday, as Keelon Russell accounted for four touchdowns and Kamario Taylor struggled early before leaving late in the game with an apparent injury, according to the game account. Russell did not commit a turnover and was taken out midway through the fourth quarter with Alabama well ahead. The Crimson Tide scored 14 points in each quarter, building a 21-7 lead seven seconds into the second quarter after a touchdown on each of their first two offensive possessions and a pick-six between them. Taylor lost a fumble and threw an interception returned for a touchdown on Mississippi State’s first two offensive possessions. The Bulldogs recovered somewhat, narrowing the deficit to 21-14 midway through the second quarter. Alabama then scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions spanning the end of the first half and start of the second, putting the game out of reach. The game account said Taylor was seen walking toward the locker room midway through the fourth quarter with an apparent injury. It did not provide a diagnosis or establish whether the issue will affect his availability.