College Football Preview: #22 Auburn vs. #1 Alabama
A deep rooted rivalry that has produced some of the greatest CFB moments in recent memory.
The “Camback”. The Kick Six. Van Tiffin’s Kick.
Bo Jackson. Cam Newton. Derrick Henry. Chris Davis. Mike Shula. Bear Bryant. Pat Dye. Nick Saban. Gus Malzahn.
A plethora of historic moments, historic plays, and historic names. Presently, the Iron Bowl is considered by many as the greatest rivalry in all of college football. A rivalry this has a foundation of hate that is as transparent as any other rivalry in all of sports. The all time series lead is in favor of Alabama at 46-37-1. This season, #1 Alabama (7-0, 7-0 SEC) sits atop all of college football as the rankings indicate. But of course, plans can get ruined by #22 Auburn (5-2, 5-2 SEC), who has shown a time or two in the past to do such to their arch rival. Time to breakdown the 2020 version of the Iron Bowl matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers.
Network: CBS
Time: Saturday, November 28th, 3:30 PM EST
Auburn Analysis
He sports a surname that has a wealth of significance around the Auburn program. Sophomore quarterback Bo Nix (1,627 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs) entered the Auburn program in 2019 with expectations to live up to thanks to his father, former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix. While talented, Nix still has to find that dose of consistency. Against LSU this season, Nix was spectacular. On the road against South Carolina, he was dreadful. A lot is dictated on offense for Auburn based on his play. Freshman running back Tank Bigsby has been quite the surprise this season and leads the team in rushing with 527 yards and five touchdowns. The combination of Seth Williams, Eli Stove, and Anthony Gonzalez have produced 98 catches and nine touchdowns between. However, the Auburn pass game is 11th in the SEC in yards per game.
One of the more stingiest scoring defenses in all of college football, the Auburn defense has had to shoulder the load a bit as the offense took some time to find their footing. So far, Auburn is second in the SEC in opposing passer rating. The safety duo of Smoke Monday and Jamien Sherwood is as solid as they come. Linebacker Zakoby McClain is sixth in the SEC in total tackles but there are times where the team could use their leader in linebacker K.J. Britt, who was ruled out for the season due to a thumb injury in week two.
Alabama Analysis
The sideline for Alabama will definitely look a little different. After testing positive for COVID-19, head coach Nick Saban will be away from the team and the stadium as he is isolated. As legendary as Saban is, the offense that he has is likely to still hum comfortably in his absence. With quarterback Mac Jones leading the way, the Tide are third in scoring in the FBS as well as fifth in yards per game and second in yards per play. Jones (2,426 yards, 18 TDs, three INTs) doesn’t get the credit he deserves but he has been a key pillar for the talented offensive unit. The Tide lost receiver Jaylen Waddle earlier this season due to a fractured ankle but Devonta Smith has still been superb with 903 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Tide offense is versatile at the skill positions and the offensive line, led by tackle Alex Leatherwood and center Landon Dickerson, is a hard nosed unit that is elite from tackle to tackle.
The defense has a three-game stretch where they have played lights out defensively. Over the last three games, the defense have allowed a total of 20 points. Granted however, those three games are against Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Kentucky. Linebackers Dylan Moses and Christian Harris are rocks in the middle of the defense and are the top two tacklers on defense. On the back end, Alabama is tied for first in the SEC with three pick-6s on the season. The defense as a whole took some punches on the chin earlier in the season but will look to continue their solid play as of late.
Prediction
I noted earlier in the column that this rivalry game is legendary and has produced some of the most epic moments in college football history.
This latest edition has a number of things hanging in the balance. For starters, the Tide need this win of course to stay atop of the College Football Playoff. For Auburn, the hecklers wanting head coach Gus Malzahn to be ousted will be louder if the Tigers find themselves on the losing end.
The Auburn defense has a major test on their hands. Alabama is a machine on offense. They get things done in the air as well as on the ground behind Najee Harris, who is 12th in the country in rushing yards. If Auburn is to keep up with the Tide, their front seven has to make an impact and not allow Jones to sit comfortably and do what he does best.
Also, Nix has to be efficient. Because while there is skill on the Auburn offense, they are not built to navigate shootouts. So the run game for Auburn has to set the tone and allow Nix to manage the game in that way.
But that is where the problem lies. The Alabama run defense is very good and their offensive line is excellent. They have the edge in the trenches on both sides of the ball and that will eventually wear down the Tigers in this one.