Alabama football enters a potential “trap” game as legendary Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban coined. Mississippi State comes in red hot at 4-0 and ranked 16th in the nation. Now coach Kalen DeBoer must roll without key tackle Jayvin James.

ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel confirmed James' availability ahead of the marquee showdown. The right side protector surfaces as one of eight different injured players on the side of ‘Bama.

But the only one who's probable to play is defensive back Zavier Mincey. The other seven are join James as out for the lineup in Starksville.

DeBoer and Alabama's biggest pileup of injuries reside on defense, though. Alabama must roll without three linebackers in Justin Hill, Desmond Umeozulu and Cayden Jones. Defensive backs Jorden Edmonds and Nick Sherman will sit out this top 25 showdown too of SEC powers.

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So Alabama is banged up ahead of this major conference showdown that can certainly crystallize the conference title race. Plus get the College Football Playoff committee watching both teams very closely. And they must overhear this type of loud noise from Mississippi State fans: Cowbells, which will become present inside that venue.

Head coach Jeff Lebby walks into his biggest game yet since taking over as Bulldogs head coach. This 2026 squad marks the first team he's led a ranked Mississippi State team. Producing a new quarterback star in Kamario Taylor certainly helps these version of the Bulldogs.

An Alabama loss will certainly spark two types of conversations. One involving MSU becoming a new trending SEC title contender. But the other reigniting new criticism for DeBoer.