Alabama heads to Starkville this weekend for a battle of undefeated SEC teams, but the biggest storyline might be the two quarterbacks standing at the center of it all.
Keelon Russell vs. Kamario Taylor.
Russell has started to look extremely comfortable running Alabama’s offense. Through four games, the sophomore has thrown for 1,129 yards and eight touchdowns, completing 70.9% of his passes. His latest performance against South Carolina may have been his best yet, as Alabama rolled to 4-0.
But Taylor might be even hotter.
Mississippi State’s sophomore quarterback has thrown for 1,192 yards, 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions while completing 69.2% of his passes. He’s also dangerous with his legs, adding 185 rushing yards through four games.
And there is some history here.
Russell and Taylor competed together at the Elite 11 and have remained close. Russell said the two still talk almost every day, but friendship gets put aside Saturday when No. 7 Alabama travels to face No. 16 Mississippi State. Both teams enter 4-0 and 2-0 in the SEC.
This could become one of the most entertaining quarterback battles of the entire season. Russell has Alabama starting to look dangerous again, while Taylor has completely changed the energy around Mississippi State.
Two young quarterbacks. Two undefeated SEC teams. One huge stage in Starkville.
Don’t be surprised if Russell vs. Taylor turns into an absolute shootout.
