re: What does MSU have to do against Alabama to earn respect?

It's all about the eye test. MSU could win and look overmatched doing it, by getting some very lucky big plays. Then you'll have people saying, "if this or if that" and you won't get a lot of respect.

But if MSU looks competitive all game, and goes punch for punch with Alabama for four quarters, even if they lose by more than 10 points, most will respect that.

Even then, not everyone will. Even if you punch them in the mouth and win, similar to ridiculous LSU fans with Florida, there will be some excuse as to why it wasn't that impressive.