Mississippi State is back home this weekend as the Bulldogs (2-2, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) take on No. 12 Alabama (3-1, 1-0) at Davis Wade Stadium for an 8 p.m. kickoff on ESPN.

The Crimson Tide lead the all-time series against MSU 85-18 with three ties and have won 15 straight games against the Bulldogs. The last time MSU defeated Alabama was 2007, which was Nick Saban’s first year as the Crimson Tide’s head coach.

Alabama suffered a home loss to Texas on Sept. 9, then slogged through a road win over South Florida before opening SEC play by beating Ole Miss last week. To learn more about this Crimson Tide team, The Commercial Dispatch chatted with Matt Stahl, who covers Alabama for AL.com.

Editor’s note: This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

The Commercial Dispatch: What have you learned about this Alabama team now that we’re a third of the way through the season?

Matt Stahl: The defense is really good. The offense is still catching on. In a way, this is a throwback Alabama team, where the defense can just sit on any opponent for 60 minutes and if the offense can manage three scores, the Crimson Tide have a real chance.

The Dispatch: The quarterback situation has certainly been a hot topic. Where do things stand now? Does it seem like Jalen Milroe is the guy?

Stahl: Milroe is the guy now. Saban made the rare choice of naming a starter Monday during Ole Miss week. Milroe did a pretty solid job against the Rebels, especially in the second half when the offense was slightly better, and I don’t see him losing the job at this point, especially given how the other options looked against South Florida.

The Dispatch: Quarterbacks aside, what will be the biggest challenges Mississippi State’s defense will face on Saturday?

Stahl: I think Alabama wants to continue to establish the run. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees loves his 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends), and I wonder if the Crimson Tide just try to pound the ball up the middle.

The Dispatch: What do you make of the Crimson Tide’s defense this year, and what does it need to do to slow down MSU’s offense?

Stahl: It’s really good. The pass rush has been back to normal the past two weeks after struggling against Texas. Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell are as good an edge rusher duo as exists in the country, and the secondary has also looked solid the past few weeks, especially at corner. The big question will be if Deontae Lawson can play at inside linebacker after injuring his ankle last week.

The Dispatch: Alabama will win if…

Stahl: If it stays consistent and doesn’t sleepwalk its way into Starkville.

The Dispatch: Alabama will lose if…

Stahl: If the Crimson Tide get rattled and start making critical mistakes.