Fansided
Fansided

Iron Bowl Preview: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 13 Auburn

By Sam Beckenstein

Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) celebrates with O.J. Howard (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Auburn Tigers in the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) celebrates with O.J. Howard (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Auburn Tigers in the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Nov 19, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talks to the offense during a time out during the game against Chattanooga Mocs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talks to the offense during a time out during the game against Chattanooga Mocs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Alabama and Auburn always put on a show for the ages when they get together. This rivalry is the most heated college football rivalry, period. Good old-fashioned hatered takes over the week in which you’re supposed to give thanks for your friends and neighbors in the state of Alabama this time every year.

Alabama is still the unanimous number one team, and is more than a step ahead of the competition in every way, but all of that goes out the window for the Iron Bowl. These games are always close, and they’re always leaving you at the edge of your seat, no matter how big of a lead your team has.

Auburn lives and dies by the run, and unfortunately for them Alabama’s the best in the business at stopping the run. It’s the most anticipated Iron Bowl since 2013’s instant classic, and could be a defensive battle for the ages if both teams get rolling early.

Alabama’s offense isn’t just running the ball 50 times a game anymore. This is a new Alabama with more five-star playmakers than you can count on two hands that can throw so many different wrinkles at you it’s hard to predict, and stop. Expect to see Lane Kiffin unleash the playmakers, and if we’re lucky, O.J. Howard up the seam.

Alabama’s run defense will prevail on Saturday and hold Kam Pettway and company to below 200 rushing yards. Jalen Hurts will go for his fifth 100+ passing and rushing yard performance and be responsible for at least three touchdowns. Lastly, Alabama’s defense will record more than five sacks on Sean White and provide constant pressure throughout the game en route to victory.

Final: Alabama 38 Auburn 17

Home/College Football