THE IRON UNKIND
AUBURN FACES A TOUGH TASK IN MATCHUP WITH A ROLLING TIDE
KEYS FOR AUBURN
Sustain on offense: The Tigers have started well in many games only to have their offense bog down as the game wore on, something they can’t afford against Alabama. Auburn can’t hope to hold onto an early lead and hope the clock expires.
Run it: The Tigers rank 11th in the SEC, averaging 167 yards per game on the ground. They’ll need to find some offensive balance against Alabama and will have to be able to move the chains. It won’t be easy against the Crimson Tide defensive front.
KEYS FOR ALABAMA
Turn Tua loose: Sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa gives this Alabama offense a dimension unseen previously in the Nick Saban era, which makes the Crimson Tide specially scary. Alabama averages 328 passing yards per game.
Protect the ball: It’s unrealistic to think that Auburn can pull off the upset here without some help from the Crimson Tide. Alabama has turned it over 11 times in as many games and is plus-nine in turnover margin. If Alabama doesn’t cough it up, it will be hard for Auburn to win.
PREDICTION
Alabama 36, Auburn 7: Alabama has too much firepower for Auburn to keep up with, and will not relent after losing last year’s Iron Bowl. The Crimson Tide has too much ammunition and Auburn’s offense just isn’t strong enough to initiate a shootout. Big plays will give Alabama a big edge.