MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) Alabama's offense can still try to play the neighborhood bully at times, just not quite so effectively as in recent seasons.

Tua Tagovailoa and the top-ranked Crimson Tide's offense were not as high-flying as they had been when they ran up against two of the Southeastern Conference's top defenses. But `Bama has proven it can still overpower with force even if the running game hasn't been nearly as dominant this season.

The Crimson Tide, which hosts The Citadel on Saturday, turned to the running game early and late against No. 25 Mississippi State to build and hold onto a lead.