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Predictions / Week 5, 2026 / Alabama at Mississippi State

Mississippi State vs Alabama Prediction: Will Alabama Cover -5.5?

Backdoor Cover’s model projects Alabama -10.57 for Alabama at Mississippi State, 5.1 points off the market’s Alabama -5.5, and gives Alabama a 75% win probability.

Week5
DateSat, Oct 3
Kickoff12:00 PM
VenueDavis Wade Stadium, Starkville, MS
TVABC

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My model
Alabama -10.57
Alabama wins 74.8% of simulations
5.1
points apart
The market
Alabama -5.5
the latest available line

What this tells us

My model is more bullish on Alabama than the market is. I have them winning by 11 points with a 75% win probability, while the market only has them favored by 5.5. Both sides agree Alabama wins, but I'm significantly higher on them than the line is.

Model pick
Alabama -5.5

The model's side at the current line. It isn't a bet. I only bet a small share of the model's picks.

About this gap

Games with a 3 to 6 point gap covered 53.9% of the time in the backtest (616 games).

Model vs market Cover % Games
0–3 pts 51.4% 883
3–6 pts (this game) 53.9% 616
6–10 pts 54.6% 401
10+ pts 53.0% 181

Backtest: every game, weeks 2+ of 2023–25.

Weather at kickoff

84°F
temperature
4 mph
wind
5%
precipitation

No significant weather expected.

How the number is built

The model rates every FBS team on efficiency, adjusted for opponent, and refits every week. It predicts a score, which becomes a spread and a total. Backdoor Cover Picks are the few games I bet.

My track record starts with the 2026 season. Picks are posted before kickoff and graded once the game finishes.

Common questions

Who does the model project to win Mississippi State vs Alabama?

Backdoor Cover’s model projects Alabama to win, with a 75% win probability.

What is the model’s predicted spread for Alabama at Mississippi State?

The model projects Alabama -10.57 and the market has Alabama -5.5, a gap of 5.1 points.

What side does the model favor against the spread?

Alabama -5.5, at the current number. Backdoor Cover Picks may still pass on this game.

Recent meetings

2023 Mississippi State 17, Alabama 40 Alabama won
2022 Alabama 30, Mississippi State 6 Alabama won
2021 Mississippi State 9, Alabama 49 Alabama won
2020 Alabama 41, Mississippi State 0 Alabama won
2019 Mississippi State 7, Alabama 38 Alabama won
2018 Alabama 24, Mississippi State 0 Alabama won
2017 Mississippi State 24, Alabama 31 Alabama won
2016 Alabama 51, Mississippi State 3 Alabama won

How the model is doing. 114–102–1 against the spread (52.8%), 35–25 on totals (58.3%) and 168–49 straight up (77.4%) on every game this season.

Backdoor Cover Picks

Is Alabama at Mississippi State one of my picks? Subscribers see whether I’m betting it, and if so the side, the line and a recommended unit size.

My track record is on the Track Record page.

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Season predictions: Alabama and Mississippi State.

Published Sep 30, 2026. Numbers refreshed Oct 2, 2026.