The Tide and the Mississippi State Bulldogs

"We control next week," linebacker DeMeco Ryans said. "We can't control the national picture. There's no need to get all concerned or bent out of shape. We can't control it. We still have to win each week."

This should be Alabama's mantra. This has to be Alabama's focus. Eight games are now history. The only thing that matters right now is Mississippi State. No Alabama fan, player, or coach can for one second think that the trip to Starkville will be a gimme. Every person who wears, bleeds, sweats, and loves the Crimson needs to focus on the Bulldogs of State. There is one certainty you can count on: Coach Sylvester Croom will have the Bulldogs of Mississippi State University ready to pull the upset of the year. That would make their entire season worthwhile. The time to relish the win over Tennessee will come again after the season.

The fans and the Tide need to focus on one thing: BEATING MSU!Forget the previous games. A loss to MSU will make the previous games meaningless. Champions don't dwell on the past. Champions look to the next immediate challenge.Everybody together, in unison, get ready to strap on those chin straps and get ready for Headgears and Shoulderpads. Let's help the Tide Roll to a win over State. It won't be easy. Champions are always the opponent's most desired target. To play like champions, Bama must practice, prepare, and anticipate like champions; and so should the fans. Let's Roll!