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See Nick Saban frantic sideline outburst in Alabama vs. Mississippi State football game

Erik Hall
The Tuscaloosa News

Alabama football head coach Nick Saban erupted on the sideline late in the first half against Mississippi State on Saturday, Oct. 16. 

The outburst occurred with 41 seconds left in the second quarter once Alabama called timeout. Saban flailed his arms and yanked his headset off with his right hand.

On the two preceding plays, Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. ran 9 yards on first down to the Alabama 34-yard line, and that was followed by a complete pass for no gain by Bryce Young on second-and-1.

"He's very frustrated," ESPN broadcaster Greg McElroy said to describe Saban's anger. "As you can see, very frustrated with the spot (of the ball on Robinson's run) thinking they had a first down, and then, he had to burn a timeout there." 

Alabama led Mississippi State 21-6 at the moment of the timeout. 

"We got to do a little bit better job on offense," Saban said of the offense on the Alabama radio broadcast entering halftime. "We had a great drive there — 90-yard drive — and completed some balls. We got to have better balance. Too many negative plays." 

Alabama defeated Mississippi State 49-9.

Alabama, ranked No. 5 in the USA Today Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the SEC. Mississippi State went to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the SEC.

Oct 16, 2021; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban looks on during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

After Saturday, Alabama leads the all-time series 86-17-3 vs. Mississippi State.

Here's more Alabama, Mississippi State football news:

Mike Leach is the Mississippi State football head coach.

Erik Hall is the lead digital producer for sports with the USA Today Network. You can find him on Twitter @HallErik.