TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- No one has to tell Jackie Sherrill the importance of Saturday's game against No. 11 Alabama.

The Mississippi State coach realizes that a loss would crush the national championship hopes of the eighth-ranked Bulldogs.

Despite the nation's best defense and an undefeated record, Mississippi State (8-0, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) finds itself on the fringe of the title chase -- ranked 10th in the Bowl Championship Series.

"At this time of the year, it's a one-game elimination," Sherrill said. "You lose and you're out."

A loss would also hurt the Bulldogs in their bid to return to the SEC title game. Although a defeat wouldn't mathematically eliminate them, it would put Alabama (7-2, 5-1) in control.

The Crimson Tide is looking to return to Atlanta for the first time in three years and end a three-game losing streak to Mississippi State.

Alabama also will be looking to evaluate itself against the Bulldogs. In its three previous losses to Mississippi State, Alabama was dominated physically, and last year's 26-14 loss was not close.

But coach Mike DuBose thinks offseason strength programs and intense recruiting has helped the Tide close the gap.

"There's no question that we're a bigger, stronger team than we were at this time last year," DuBose said. "We're still not as big and still not as strong as Mississippi State -- we still have some catching up to do. But we have made significant strides in that direction."

Unfortunately for Alabama, it will have trouble proving that this week.

The Tide was hit with injuries against LSU last week and could face the Bulldogs without five defensive starters.

Middle linebacker Marvin Constant, defensive end Kenny Smith and pass rusher Canary Knight were lost for the season. Starting cornerback Kecalf Bailey is expected to miss his third consecutive game with a foot injury and safety Tony Dixon is questionable with a separated shoulder.

Offensively, quarterback Andrew Zow is expected to start after missing two weeks with a sprained ankle.

And tailback Shaun Alexander is improving after a sprained ankle held him out of Alabama's game against Southern Mississippi. Alexander returned to practice Wednesday, and on Thursday looked better "than he has all week," DuBose said.

Alexander had only 18 yards on 14 carries last week against LSU.

"We're a banged up and beat up team," DuBose said. "It's another huge challenge for our team and one that gives us a chance to take another step forward."

Mississippi State also has a lot of injuries.

Linebacker Tim Nelson has a bruised quadricep muscle and is questionable for Saturday, and quarterback Wayne Madkin has a twisted ankle that caused him to leave last week's win over Kentucky.

Sherrill said running backs Dontae Walker and Dicenzo Miller would both be playing on sprained ankles this week.