Defense powers No. 1 Alabama past No. 18 MSU, 24-0

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama's offense didn't put up the video game-like numbers that had seemingly become commonplace. The defense played so well, again, that it didn't matter. The top-ranked Crimson Tide had its second straight shutout in a 24-0 victory over No. 18 Mississippi State on Saturday, while Josh Jacobs ran for a touchdown and caught a scoring pass. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa still battling a gimpy right knee, the Tide (10-0, 7-0 Southeastern Conference, No. 1 CFP) turned to defense for another vintage performance. "I think in this day and age, you not only get judged on whether you win but you get judged on how you win," Tide coach Nick Saban said. "I never thought I'd ever be in position to say that you get style points but the way our system is, that may be the way it is." The offense had already banked plenty of style -- and real -- points along the way.