No. 2 Alabama (18-2, 8-0) remains undefeated in conference play with a hard-fought 66-63 win over Mississippi State (12-8, 1-7) in Coleman Coliseum on Wednesday night.
Just because Saban is the undisputed best current coach in college football doesn't make him immune to criticism. Not playing Ricks may be a case where he deserves some.
Alabama played the game without Seth McLaughlin, DJ Dale, Justin Eboigbe, Deontae Lawson, Jaheim Oatis and Kendrick Blackshire. The Tide hopes to get its roster healthy as it rolls into the BYE week.