STARKVILLE — Saturday seemed very reminiscent of Mississippi State’s earlier loss to Louisiana State.

The only difference being it was over from the opening kickoff rather than in the second quarter.

No. 5 Alabama came into Starkville and completely ran the Bulldogs off their own field, winning 38-7. But at least this was the result everyone expected, right?

As always, a quick programming note for those who are new here: Bulldog Bullets will be a weekly recurring article filled with short observations and commentary written throughout Mississippi State football games that posts shortly after the final gun.

To the Bulldog Bullets:

– A pregame announcement came on across the loud speakers warning of bats infiltrating Davis Wade Stadium that “carried a high risk for rabies.” Thankfully, I can report I did not get bit.

– Hopefully Tua Tagovailoa isn’t seriously hurt. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the most electrifying players in college football.

– Great day for Alabama on the scoreboard, not so great day in the training room. Besides Tagovailoa, standout defender Raekwon Davis also had to be carted to the locker room.

– Mississippi State pooched the opening kickoff and was also offsides on the play, giving Alabama field position at the 45. Because if any team needs help offensively, it’s Alabama.

– Three straight plays from scrimmage in the first quarter went like this: Alabama touchdown, Mississippi State interception, Alabama touchdown.

– Mississippi State got some life back with a Kylin Hill touchdown then pooched another kick. This has been going on all season, and it’s led to a lot of great field position for opposing teams. MSU must REALLY not trust its kickoff coverage.

– Also, not to be a Debbie Downer, but the Bulldogs only scored because of an ill-advised penalty from Alabama, negating what would have been a sack on third down.

– Alabama fumbled and still gained five yards late in the first quarter. Sometimes, things just don’t go your way.

– The Crimson Tide’s speed demons at wideout made MSU’s young secondary look like they were wearing ice skates.

– For as dominating as Alabama was, it somehow committed seven penalties for 86 yards.

– Through three quarters, the Crimson Tide averaged 9.1 yards per play.

– It seemed like the only offensive play that worked for MSU was Tommy Stevens running the ball on read-option calls.

– If you’re looking for a silver lining, at least MSU’s final two games still have a chance to matter. Assuming things go according to plan, Mississippi State should be on the other end of this score next week against Abilene Christian. Then the Egg Bowl will determine if MSU extends its school-record bowl streak to 10 or not.

– Pretty cool to see 98-year-old World War II veteran Fred Baker get honored on the field for his service. Mr. Baker looked pretty darn impressive for being alive for nearly a century. On a personal note, my grandfather served at the tail end of WWII, so that kind of stuff makes my eyes dusty.

Hodge is the former sports editor for The Dispatch.