Alabama running back Derrick Henry (27) scores a touchdown during his game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Blake Sims, T.J. Yeldon and No. 4 Alabama's relentless defense delivered on a big stage, and the Crimson Tide held off No. 1 Mississippi State 25-20 on Saturday.
The Tide (9-1, 6-1 Southeastern Conference, No. 5 CFP) reasserted itself as a national title contender with a dominant first half and some clutch play in the fourth quarter.
Dak Prescott and the Bulldogs (9-1, 5-1, No. 1 CFP) kept fighting to keep their first-ever reign going for a sixth week. They couldn't conquer Alabama at raucous Bryant-Denny Stadium, though.
Mississippi State scored early in the fourth to make it a six-point game but Sims and Yeldon answered with a steady march to the end zone.
The Bulldogs produced a touchdown with 15 seconds left after a drive that took 3 precious minutes off the clock.
Alabama recovered the onside kick to secure its seventh straight win in the series.
