You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who actually expects Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide squad to lose any games this season, but if ever there was a contest that screamed “trap” game it was the road game at a scrappy Mississippi State team boasting a very formidable defense. Though the Bulldogs gave the Tide some troubles in the first half with quarterback A.J. McCarron struggling to find a rhythm and seeing his receivers drop balls when they were delivered in stride the better team ultimately showed up in the second half.

As much as McCarron and the Tide struggled to find consistency in the opening half, the second was an absolute clinic by the two-time defending national champion quarterback. His numbers continue to be underwhelming in terms of yardage and touchdowns, but there’s no denying 35 wins in 37 starts with the Tide. The NFL arm talent that everyone has been clamoring for showed up as well in the second half with a variety of balls thrown with zip or touch when necessary on time and on target.

The Heisman Trophy talk is sure to heat up with McCarron now that a lot of his competition has fallen by the wayside. Although Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston remains the consensus favorite to take home the bronze statue this season, his impending investigation for an alleged sexual assault could drastically impact the minds of voters. Given McCarron’s pristine reputation and absolute dominance of college football over the past three seasons, there’s reason to believe he could end up taking votes away from Winston due to that dark cloud.

If this game didn’t vault McCarron to the top of the Heisman list his opportunity will surely be available when the Tide face the still miraculously one-defeated Auburn Tigers in the yearly installment of the Iron Bowl in two weeks. A big win over another top 10 ranked SEC foe would certainly get the Bama QB a firm grip on that highly coveted award.

Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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