Mississippi State’s rough afternoon against Alabama got even worse when linebacker Jalen Smith went down with what appeared to be a non-contact injury.
The play came early in the second quarter, right after Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell broke loose for a 17-yard touchdown run to open the period. As Russell scrambled, Smith tried to turn and chase him down on the TV broadcast before collapsing to the turf.
Smith, a junior from Grayson, GA, was helped off the field and walked back to Mississippi State’s locker room with assistance. His family was visibly shaken after the injury.
Before leaving, Smith had been the Bulldogs’ leading tackler, entering the game with 28 stops, the most on the roster. He finished fifth on the team with 57 tackles in 2025 after transferring to Mississippi State from Tennessee. In 34 appearances before Saturday, he had totaled 123 tackles and four tackles for loss.
Mississippi State was already dealing with a difficult start. Quarterback Kamario Taylor turned the ball over on the Bulldogs’ first two possessions, helping Alabama build a 14-0 lead. Running back Fluff Bothwell also exited after one carry with a foot injury.
Even with Smith out, Mississippi State’s defense found a way to answer. Trailing 21-7, defensive lineman Jaray Bledsoe forced Alabama running back Daniel Hill to fumble deep in Crimson Tide territory, and safety Kendel Dolby came up with the recovery. On the very next snap, Kamario Taylor connected with Zion Ragins for an 11-yard touchdown.
Through roughly one-third of the game, Alabama and Mississippi State had already combined for five touchdowns and five turnovers. The game was on ABC.
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