The Alabama–Mississippi State Football Rivalry: A History of the 90 Mile Drive
In the landscape of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), few matchups carry the geographical intensity of the Alabama–Mississippi State football rivalry. Known colloquially as the “90 Mile Drive” or the “Battle for Highway 82,” this series pits the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a contest defined by proximity and a starkly lopsided historical record.
- Longest-Running: One of the SEC’s oldest series, dating back to 1896.
- Geographic Proximity: The two campuses are the closest SEC universities, separated by approximately 90 miles.
- Dominance: Alabama holds a significant lead in the all-time series.
- Current Streak: Alabama has won 16 consecutive meetings as of the 2023 season.
Historical Context and Series Statistics
The rivalry began on November 14, 1896, with Alabama securing a 20–0 victory. Over the following century, the series evolved into one of the most one-sided rivalries in college football. Through the 2023 season, the all-time series record stands at 86–18–3 in favor of Alabama.
While the official record lists 86 wins for Alabama, the on-field record is 88–17–3, as two Alabama victories were later vacated or forfeited. The disparity in the rivalry is highlighted by Alabama’s longest win streak of 22 games, which spanned from 1958 to 1979.
Series Breakdown
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Meeting | November 14, 1896 (Alabama 20–0) |
| Largest Victory | Alabama, 59–0 (1922) |
| Current Streak | Alabama, 16 games (2008–present) |
| Latest Meeting | September 30, 2023 (Alabama 40–17) |
The “90 Mile Drive” and Cultural Traditions
The rivalry is deeply rooted in the geography of the Deep South, specifically along Highway 82. Because the universities are founding members of the SEC and located so close to one another, the games often draw significant regional attention.
One of the more unique pieces of lore in this rivalry involves the Mississippi State mascot. In 1935, MSU Coach Major Ralph Sasse traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to select the first bulldog mascot, Ptolemy. Following the acquisition of the mascot, the Bulldogs defeated Alabama 20–7.
Recent Performance and Trends
In recent years, the gap between the two programs has widened. According to Mississippi State’s official history, the Bulldogs have not defeated Alabama since 2007. Their last few matchups have seen dominant performances by the Crimson Tide, including a 40–17 win in 2023 and a 30–6 victory in 2022.
For Mississippi State, Alabama remains their third most-played opponent, trailing only Ole Miss and LSU. Conversely, Mississippi State is the most-played opponent in Alabama’s history.
Looking Ahead
The rivalry continues into the next era of SEC football. The next scheduled meeting between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Mississippi State Bulldogs is set for October 3, 2026, at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS, as listed by ESPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “90 Mile Drive”?
It is a nickname for the Alabama–Mississippi State rivalry, referring to the approximate distance between the two campuses.
Who leads the all-time series?
Alabama leads the series 86–18–3 through the 2023 season.
When is the next game?
The teams are scheduled to meet again on October 3, 2026.