As much as we would like to see it, we can't beat everyone by three scores. The team we beat last night would be in contention for a playoff spot if they played in the PAC12, BIG10, or BIG12. They are a talented, tough, and gritty football team, and we went into their house, a very loud and intimidating house, and got a win.
What would Ohio State give to have been able to do that against Iowa?
What would Georgia give to have been able to do that against Auburn?
What would Notre Dame give to have been able to do that against Miami?
We won a really tough road game, in a very loud environment, against a ranked opponent. Clemson went into a loud environment and got beat by a bottom dweller in the ACC.
The aforementioned three got eviscerated, embarrassed, and exposed on national television.
With a defense full of holes caused by injury, we were able to make plays at critical times and capitalize on the mistakes that Mississippi State made down the stretch. We outgained them on offense. When the dust settled, we averaged over five yards per rush, and held them to a little over three. Yes, we gave up five sacks, but we did not turn the ball over, and we made adjustments on defense that allowed us to stifle their offense when they needed it the most. Was it total domination?
No, but they can't all be wins like Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl or Michigan State in the playoffs.
Sometimes, they are like the win over Clemson.
And every time, a win is better than a loss.
Roll Tide.