MSU's Croom takes exception to Alabama's play

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom took exception to the style of play of his alma mater, No. 4 Alabama, and said his team has faced several more talented opponents.<br> <br> Croom, whose Bulldogs were beaten 17-0 by the Crimson Tide last weekend, spoke to the Huntsville Quarterback Club Monday night.<br> <br> The former Tide All-American was asked for what impressed him least about unbeaten Alabama.<br> <br> ``I didn&#39;t think they played with as much class as Alabama teams usually do,&#39;&#39; Croom said. ``All that bumping and some of the other little things they did between plays ... I wasn&#39;t impressed with that at all.<br> <br> ``They&#39;ve got good schemes and they&#39;re well coached and they play hard. But some of those little things may catch up with them at some point.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> He did praise Alabama for ``knowing how to win.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> ``That&#39;s what Alabama has always been about,&#39;&#39; Croom said. ``I&#39;m hoping people will say the same thing about Mississippi State one day.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> He added, ``We&#39;ve played three or four teams that are better from a talent standpoint, but they know how to get it done.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Croom was one of three finalists for the Alabama coaching job three years ago, a job that went to Mike Shula.<br> <br> Shula declined comment Tuesday on Croom&#39;s remarks.<br> <br> Information from: The Huntsville Times, http://www.al.com/hsvtimes/hsv.html<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)