Croom says injury list long for Bulldogs as Bama looms Saturday

STARKIVLLE, Miss. - Mississippi State head coach Sylvester Croom jokingly suggested that he considered canceling practice in preparation for Saturday&#39;s contest at Alabama.<br> <br> ``It crossed my mind,&#39;&#39; said Croom, referring to not having enough time to read the injury list during Monday&#39;s weekly media conference. ``I debated not having practice. We&#39;ve got a lot of players out and banged up.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> The extensive list of injured players is especially evident on offense at the skill positions, with Croom confirming quarterback Omarr Conner and running backs Brandon Thornton and Bryson Davis were definitely no go. Croom said another handful of key players were hobbled.<br> <br> ``But this is a rivalry game. Alabama has one of the greatest programs in football, college or pro,&#39;&#39; Croom said. ``Our guys are excited and I can&#39;t imagine why they wouldn&#39;t be.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Alabama (6-3, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) is coming off a 38-3 non-conference home win over Florida International. Croom, a former All-American at Alabama, characterized the Crimson Tide as an efficient offense that makes few mistakes and plays to the defense, the strength of their team.<br> <br> Mississippi State (2-7, 0-5) lost 34-31 at home to Kentucky, the latest in a series of close defeats.<br> <br> ``It was the third game where we&#39;ve lost by three plays,&#39;&#39; Croom said. ``Things would be a lot different now if we make those plays. That&#39;s football.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> The Bulldogs continued to improve offensively, averaging 33 points over the past three starts after opening the season with consecutive shutout losses.<br> <br> Quarterback Michael Henig and wide receiver Tony Burks had career-high performances in Saturday&#39;s loss to the Wildcats. Henig threw for 284 yards and three touchdowns while Burks had seven receptions for 192 yards and two touchdowns.<br> <br> ``I&#39;m disappointed we didn&#39;t run the ball better. I feel like our running backs took a step backward,&#39;&#39; said Croom, noting Anthony Dixon and Justin Williams are the only healthy running backs with experience.<br> <br> The Crimson Tide turned in its highest offensive output of the season against Florida International despite an ankle injury that sidelined quarterback John Parker Wilson for most of the second half. Parker is expected to play Saturday.