STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 11: head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches the team warm up before the first half of an NCAA football game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)

No. 2 Alabama survives a thriller against Mississippi State

This was cloooose.

When playing at Mississippi State, usually the most dreaded sound for a visiting team is the "CLANGA" of the traditional cowbells from the Starkville faithful.

On Saturday night, it was almost something else for Alabama, as a loud "DOINK!" as kicker Andy Pappanastos missed what would have potentially been the game-winning field goal with the game tied at 24 with slightly over two minutes remaining in the game.

Fear not for Alabama, though, as a quick defensive stop and a drive down the field saw Alabama score a touchdown via Jalen Hurts pass to DeVonta Smith with 25 seconds remaining in the game. A kickoff out of bounds helped Mississippi State get out to the 35 yard line, and a pass interference call with no time left got their offense to the Alabama 34-yard line.

However, quarterback Nick Fitzgerald overthrew the end zone on the second Hail Mary attempt, and Alabama survived to move to 10-0 on the season. With the win and the loss by No. 1 Georgia, Alabama is expected to takeover the No. 1 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday.