🏈 Alabama visits Auburn.

[Alabama17Tide]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Three days away from Saturday’s Iron Bowl, Alabama’s battered defense welcomed three familiar faces back at practice.

Outside linebackers Christian Miller (bicep) and Terrell Lewis (elbow) returned to practice for the first time since injuring themselves in the season opener against Florida State on Sept. 2, while inside linebacker Mack Wilson (foot) practiced for the first time since injuring himself against LSU on Nov. 4.

Left guard Ross Pierschbacher (high-ankle sprain) also returned to practice for the first time since injuring himself against Mississippi State on Nov. 11.

“All these guys are at a different stage of rehabilitation, rehab, whatever you want to call it. They’re all able to practice to some degree,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said during his Wednesday news conference. “I can’t sit here and tell you any of them are ... able to practice enough to be able to be in the kind of playing shape they need to be in to be able to go out there and do their job.

"That's going be a decision we have to make from A, a medical standpoint and B, how much they are able to do, can they be effective and C, do they feel like they can go out there and do their job relative to how they’ve been able to be effective in practice. That’s not going to really happen until the game.”

Miller and Lewis both wore black, non-contact jerseys while participating with the rest of the outside linebackers during individual drills. Miller had a brace and a sleeve on his left arm, while Lewis had a brace and a sleeve on his right arm. Mack Wilson was also in a black jersey. While Miller and Lewis served as reserves during individual drills, Wilson was the lone linebacker in the first-team dime unit.

Miller suffered a torn bicep in the season opener, while Lewis tore a ligament in his elbow during the same game. Wilson suffered a broken foot against LSU earlier this month.

“I always ask the question, ‘Do you think you can do your job,’” Saban said. “I know you want to play. Every one of these guys wants to play, but can you go out there and effectively do your job. You have to have the maturity to be able to answer that question truthfully and honestly based on your physical condition as well as your mental, phycological disposition.”

Pierschbacher was also working with the rest of the offensive linemen. Although, he appeared to be on the second unit behind left guard J.C. Hassenauer, who earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, grading out at 91 percent and not allowing a sack against Mercer.

“I think Ross has a really good attitude about everything,” Alabama left tackle Jonah Williams said on Tuesday. “It’s obviously a shame that he did get hurt. But he’s doing everything he’s supposed to do treatment-wise. We’re all rooting for him, pulling for him. But we are proud of J.C. for what he’s done.”

Kicker Andy Pappanastos was also listed as “day-to-day" earlier this week after suffering a “slight pull” that kept him out of last week’s game against Mercer. Wednesday, Saban said the kicker will be available for this week’s game against Auburn."

“I think he’ll be a game-time decision,” Saban said. “But we’re hopeful he’ll be better. We really won’t know until the game.”

Alabama travels to Auburn on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS. The winner of the game will clinch the division title and earn a trip to Atlanta to play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 2.

BamaInsider.com - Saban provides final injury update before Iron Bowl

 

[silvermetalflake]

@16Champs funny and these writers are going to say that Awburn will win the game.

Well... cliches don;t exist for nothing: The wolf climbing the hill is hungrier than the one on top.
IMO... whosoever wins the run game wins the Iron. It's been that way for 9 out of the last 10 years.

 

[rick4bama]

Eight reasons why Alabama beats Auburn

Hype builds for 82nd Iron Bowl

Alabama is No. 1. Auburn is not too far behind, slotted at No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

The nation’s eyes will turn to the Loveliest Village on The Plains this weekend to see this showdown between two fierce rivals, and the outcome will have major implications on the final bracket.

Here are eight reasons why Alabama should prevail:

8. Auburn's coverage units are suspect

In a close game like this one is expected to be, special teams could make the difference. If that’s the case, then Alabama appears to be in better position to prevail. The Tigers have shown some vulnerabilities in both kickoff and punt coverage — yielding the SEC’s highest average per opportunity in both disciplines.

Auburn has also surrendered two touchdowns on special teams.

While Alabama doesn’t have a dynamic return game, that could potentially change this Saturday. Elusive running back Josh Jacobs was deployed on kickoffs in the Tide’s game against Mercer last weekend, and he could be an X-factor if he gets his hands on the ball.

7. Alabama avoids mistakes on offense



Between the lines, there is nothing Nick Saban values more than the ball.

“Some players have a hard time putting that as a priority," Saban explained.

But not the current collection with the Crimson Tide.

These guys cherish it.

Alabama has given the ball away only seven times, tied for fewest turnovers in the nation.

The Tide’s ability to avoid mistakes should serve it well against Auburn, which has recovered 11 fumbles — tied for tenth-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

In a game that figures to have little margin for error on both sides, Alabama’s ability to protect the ball could be the difference.

6. Alabama is motivated after outsiders have doubted the Tide


Nick Saban famously has professed his distaste for overly positive coverage of his team.

He calls it “rat poison.”

Well, Saban should be pleased with the recent comments made about Alabama.

"I think they're very vulnerable right now," ESPN's Booger McFarland said following the Crimson Tide’s close win over Mississippi State earlier this month.

The doubt about Alabama’s championship prospects that has bubbled to the surface in recent weeks has fueled the Crimson Tide.

So too has the perception of Auburn as a legitimate threat to Alabama’s undefeated record.

Don’t expect the Crimson Tide to be unfocused or unmotivated heading into its clash with its archival on Saturday.

5. Alabama could get help at linebacker

Nick Saban wouldn’t tip his hand.

But Alabama could conceivably replenish its depleted linebacker corps as soon as Saturday.

On Wednesday, pass rushers Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller were practicing. So too was sophomore Mack Wilson, who is positioned inside but can also be deployed on the edge.

How functional any of them would be if they were given the green light to play is hard to say.

But their mere presence could help Alabama stop an Auburn offense averaging 37.6 points and 475.9 yards per game.

This season, only true one outside linebacker — Jamey Mosley — has produced a sack.

If Lewis, Miller or Wilson can make any kind of impact, that would boost a defense that has had to rely on its secondary at times to bring pressure.

4. Alabama limits explosive plays

This season, Auburn has damaged its opponents with devastating strikes.

The Tigers are tied for the lead in the FBS for plays that have gained 40 or more yards with 27.

Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey won’t hesitate to attack downfield.

But the Crimson Tide has shown it isn’t susceptible to those deep shots.

Alabama has conceded only three plays of 40 or more yards.

Only Washington has allowed fewer.

A talented defensive backfield that includes Minkah Fitzpatrick, Levi Wallace and Anthony Averett is expected to neutralize some of the more explosive elements in Auburn’s high-octane attack.

3. Jeremy Pruitt has fared well against Gus Malzahn, Auburn

Gus Malzahn’s offense has run over a lot of defenses.

But it’s largely been contained by the units overseen by Jeremy Pruitt.

Since 2013 — as the defensive coordinator for Florida State, Georgia and now Alabama — Pruitt hasn’t lost to Malzahn.

In four victories, his defenses have allowed an average of 15.8 points and 299.5 yards per game to the Tigers.

Last season, his first as a coordinator at Alabama, the Crimson Tide didn’t surrender a single touchdown to Auburn as Daniel Carlson made four field goals in the Tigers’ 30-12 loss.

This season, the Tigers are more potent with Jarrett Stidham at quarterback. But Pruitt has shown he can conceive an effective strategy to stop the various iterations of Auburn’s offense no matter who is behind center.

2. Jalen Hurts is on Alabama's side

It’s hard to find a young quarterback who has proved himself a winner as much as Jalen Hurts has. The Crimson Tide sophomore is 24-1 in games he has started since the second week of last season.

Hurts is as cool as they come.

Earlier this month, he engineered a comeback against Mississippi State as he led a last-minute touchdown drive to earn the victory.

Hurts’ poise has never wavered since he set foot in Tuscaloosa. But this season, Hurts has improved as a passer — making him a more dynamic weapon.

Auburn will be challenged to contain Hurts, who has committed only one turnover and produced 22 touchdowns through the air and on the ground.

Alabama hasn't lost on the road in 1,147 days

Perhaps the most amazing feat in the most recent years of Nick Saban’s Alabama dynasty is the Crimson Tide’s success away from home.

The last time Alabama lost a true road game was Oct. 4, 2014 — a 23-17 setback against Ole Miss. Since then, the Tide has won 14 straight times in opponents’ venues.

With Jalen Hurts at quarterback, the Tide is uniquely well-suited to perform in intimidating environments. Hurts has shown his poise, helping Alabama prevail in tight games at LSU, Ole Miss and Mississippi State during his two seasons in charge of the offense.

Don’t expect Alabama to be rattled when it heads to Jordan-Hare this Saturday.

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[Max]

And they're building a statue of him at Auburn? This is the same guy who admitted getting paid by agents when he was playing.

Auburn being Auburn: Let's celebrate our cheaters.

 

[17BAMA]

The stage is set for a high-stakes rivalry matchup between No. 1 Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC) and No. 6 Auburn (9-2, 6-1 SEC). Kickoff inside Jordan-Hare Stadium is set for shortly after 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. Here are five storylines for the game.
Johnson keys Auburn offense

Rashaan Evans and the UA defense will look to slow down Auburn’s running game.
The Tigers average 475.9 yards and 37.6 points per game. They have converted 46 percent of their third downs into first downs and 67 percent of their red-zone possessions into touchdowns.

The run-first offense is led by sophomore quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who’s had a fine first season at Auburn. He’s completed 67.8 percent of his attempts for 2,445 yards, with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. Stidham is a good athlete for the position, but isn’t asked to run too often. He has scored have three rushing touchdowns though.

Running back Kerryon Johnson is having his best season yet. In nine games, the junior and likely first-team All-SEC selection has turned 220 carries into 1,172 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also has 18 catches for 166 yards and two scores. He’s been a workhorse especially during the second half of the season. Johnson is a physical back and runs with tremendous patience. He will be backed up speedy sophomore Kam Martin, who averages 6.7 yards per carry. Junior H-back Chandler Cox is a strong lead blocker.

Ryan Davis is far and away Stidham’s favorite target. The junior leads the team in receptions (58) and receiving yards (564). He’s also tied for the team lead with five touchdown catches. Darius Slayton is the top deep threat. The sophomore has 19 receptions for 533 yards and five touchdowns. Former walk-on Will Hastings has emerged as a dependable receiver this season. He averages 20.4 yards per reception. Eli Stove has 26 catches and 22 carries. He averages more yards per carry (12.0) than he does per catch (9.2).

When AU employs a tight end, junior Jalen Harris typically gets the call. He’s yet to catch a pass this season.

Auburn has a veteran offensive line that has played at a high level. Left to right, the expected starters are senior tackle Austin Golson, sophomore guard Mike Horton, senior center Casey Dunn, senior guard Braden Smith and senior tackle Darius James. The unit averages just over 6-4½ and 310 pounds per man. Auburn quarterbacks have been sacked 26 times.

Tigers have a ferocious front
Auburn has one of the nation’s top defenses and only allows 302.5 yards and 16.6 points per game. Their opponents have converted 33 percent of their third downs into first downs and 60 percent of their red-zone possessions into touchdowns.

Several playmakers are found along a stout AU defensive front. The headliner is junior pass rusher Jeff Holland. The first-year starter has 39 tackles, nine sacks and four forced fumbles. Marlon Davidson is one of the league’s top talents. The sophomore end has 34 tackles and three sacks. The main man to watch on the inside is Derrick Brown. The sophomore has racked up 44 stops, including eight for loss, and 3.5 sacks. With 35 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, junior Dontavius Russell is also an active player. Depth will primarily come from redshirt freshman end Nick Coe and junior tackle Andrew Williams. The duo has combined for 52 stops.

At linebacker, junior Deshaun Davis packs a punch in the middle. He leads the team with 58 tackles. Darrell Williams will man the strongside position. He has 44 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries. At weakside, senior Tre’ Williams (shoulder) has only played in eight games, but has recorded 40 tackles. He’s backed up by junior Montavious Atkinson.

The secondary is highlighted by junior cornerback Carlton Davis, one of top draft-eligible cover men around. He has 29 stops, an interception and a team-best 11 broken-up passes. Sophomore cornerback Jamel Dean (6-2, 215) brings imposing size to the position. Senior strong safety Stephen Roberts has broken up six passes and made six tackles for loss. Hard-hitting senior free safety Tray Matthews has recovered a fumble and picked off a pass. At nickel, should sophomore Jeremiah Dinson (head) be ruled out, then Javaris Davis would likely get the nod. Davis has returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown.

Time in the pocket

Jonah Williams and the Tide OL could have their hands full in pass protection.
One aspect of the game to keep an eye on will be Alabama’s passing game, specifically pass protection. Tide quarterbacks have been sacked 20 times this season. However, time in the pocket has decreased in recent weeks. LSU and Mississippi State combined to sack Jalen Hurts nine times.
UA’s offensive line will be working against an Auburn defense that knows how to get after opposing quarterbacks. The Tigers have posted 32 sacks and 43 hurries this season. All but two of those sacks came against either Clemson or an SEC opponent.

Kicking games will factor in
As we’ve seen in previous games involving UA and UA, special teams can absolutely impact the outcome. That could definitely be the case tomorrow. The kicking games for the Tide and Tigers have had their ups and downs this season.

For Alabama, senior punter JK Scott has been in a groove lately. Eight of his last 14 punts have been at least 50 yards. Senior placekicker Andy Pappanastos (hamstring) has been efficient this season, including making all of his field goals from inside of 40 yards. The adventure begins when he attempts longer kicks. UA’s coverage units have been excellent. The Tide’s return game has been average.

Auburn boasts one of the SEC’s all-time great kickers in senior Daniel Carlson. The three-time Groza Award finalist has tremendous range. He’s nailed 19 of his 25 attempts this season. Two of his misses have been blocked. Among the returners, freshman Noah Igbinoghene is the player to watch. He averages 23.1 yards per kickoff return. Sophomore punter Ian Shannon averages just 39.8 yards per punt. The problem area for the Tigers has been their coverage units. Auburn ranks next-to-last in the nation in kickoff coverage, giving up 27.3 yards per return. The Tigers’ punt coverage team also ranks in the bottom 20, as opposing returners average 13 yards per return.

Find a way

The game might boil down to whether Josh Jacobs and the rest of the offense can make a game-changing play.
Not often over the years has there been as much at stake for both teams as there will be tomorrow. The winner moves on to Atlanta and strengthens its chances at making the four-team playoff. The environment will no doubt be raucous, and the intensity will be off the charts.
Neither team is 100-percent healthy. No one ever is at this point in the season. Alabama’s senior class is trying to go 4-0 against Auburn. The Tigers’ seniors are trying to win their first one against the Tide. Will there be drama? You bet. Could there be controversy? Sure. Like many games of this magnitude, if it lives up to the hype, it should be an instant classic. The recipe for success is simple: play for 60 minutes, overcome adversity and find a way to win. The ingredients are there, as few teams around the country have been in as many high-pressure situations as Alabama has in recent years. Can the Tide come through once again?

 

[bamaledge]

Did I mention... I HATE Awebern?!

 

[alagator]

Did I mention... I HATE Awebern?!

Not nearly enough.

 

[18Champs]

Found this on the game this morning.

It's Iron Bowl Week!

First thing, the return of Miller could be really huge:
- Big caveat, we don't know if he will play, how much, or at what effectiveness.
- But I started hearing similar positive things as others right before they showed up at practice.
- Last week against Mississippi State, I charted how MSU made 10 conversions on 7+ yard plays that kept the game alive, which accounted for 150 of their 330 yardage (almost half of their 330 total yards!).
- Contrary to a lot of public opinion, the most common of these conversions were actually passes, not runs. 75 yards on passes, 25 yards on penalties, and 50 yards on runs in this subset.
- Stopping just two of thoses passes takes 14 points off the board for Mississippi State. That's really incredible.
- We really suffered from a lack of a dynamic edge rusher in the MSU game.
-- This was amplified by Fitz's scrambling ability - our slower DL couldn't afford to lose contain so they couldn't really rush.

We really, really missed our ability to generate TFLS in the MSU game:
- From September on, we had generated at least 7 TFL per game, and averaged about 9.
- Against MSU, we only generated 4.
- I imagine most assume realize SDH was an issue here, he was 3rd on the team in TFLs with 5.5 (Evans lead with 7).
- But losing Minkah was actually bigger. Minkah was tied with SDH for 3rd in TFL.
-- SDH had only recorded 2 TFL since FSU. Minkah had recorded 5.
-- Minkah's disruption on the edges would have been critical in the MSU game. Instead, we really limited his involvement.
- Some encouraging food for though: Moses had 4 TFLs in the Mercer game alone. That's the highest single-game total of the year.
- This is also where Miller could be huge. Getting back probably our most disruptive edge player could really help with TFLs.
- If we regain our edge in TFLs, that will be a tremendous boon to our defense.
-- We only gave up 3.5 ypc against Mississippi State.
-- But 3.5 ypc every play still nets 10.5 yards per 3 downs.
-- However, if you instead get a 1 yard loss on 2nd down then they face 3rd and 8.
-- IMHO, the lack of TFLs were the biggest issue against MSU. That's why Miller, even if he plays only 10 snaps, is SO big.

Looking at Auburn:
- Here's a fun and incredible stat for you:
-- Every single Auburn drive from the Georgia game ended on a Stidham pass or run.
-- Every touchdown was a Stidham pass (3) or run (1).
-- Every stalled drive (punt or sack) ended on a failed Stidham pass or scramble.
- Against LSU, it was also 11 of 13 drives ending with Stidham.
-- The other two were:
-- A goal-line TD run following a 52-yard pass, and
-- A run for no gain on a 6 play drive of all runs trying to burn the clock in the 4th quarter.
- Simply put, if you stop Stidham, you stop them from scoring. Period.
-- I don't know if it's Lindsay or Malzhan, but they simply do not try to convert possessions on the ground unless it's very short yardage.
- Remember my note from the second half of the Clemson game:
-- "In the second half, the -only- times Auburn ran Pettway were 1) on first down or 2) with one yard or less to go. They never ran him on 2nd and long - not once. This is how Clemson got away with dropping 7 into coverage, they had absolutely no fear that they would be caught in a pass-first defense and get gouged by Pettway."
- As we noted on our show, Auburn was a monumentally better passing game than anyone Georgia had faced so far.
-- The next best were Missouri (253 yards passing allowed) and USCe (227 passing yards allowed). Neither of those were even particularly good when they played.
-- There is a very real shot that Georgia's pass defense simply got exposed as the product of crappy SEC East offenses.
- Unfortunately for Auburn, our pass defense is 1st nationally in yards/attempt allowed. The gap between us and #3 Michigan is the same as #3 Michigan to #14 Clemson.
- I truly believe that if we stop Stidham, we stop Auburn. Against good teams, they simply have not run the ball well enough to score all year.
-- Again, even 10 plays from Miller in crucial situations could be a big difference here.

Formations matter:
- One of the more interesting fascets of the game will be the impact of AU losing Denson and Williams.
- I personally believe that Williams is the lynchpin to their defense (though I know bamagrad03 generally thinks Davis is better).
- Williams is a big dude in the middle. Without him, they frequently went with a converted safety (Atkinson) at MLB against Mercer.
- Mercer ran a ton of 4-wide sets, so Atkinson was very comfortable in that role.
-- Else they have to go with McBryde, and I think there's a significant drop-off there.
-- Mercer never really tested what Auburn's defense would look like, because they were in 4-wide sets (so Auburn was in dime).
- However, they also lost Dinson, who's a nickel.
- My guess is that we will run a lot of 3-wide sets with a TE.
-- This will force the nickel sub on the field while keeping a size/strength advantage on Atkinson.
-- They may want to challenge to see if the new nickel and Atkinson can handle us on toss sweeps (enter Bo Scarbrough).
- We may also see more two-back sets.
-- Jacobs could be a real problem because he can stay inside or split wide.
-- This is something AU has been great at themselves offensively, they get you in a run defense and motion into a passing formation.
-- With the injury to the nickel, AU may be more likely to stay in base sets.
-- If we motion Jacbos wide, he's probably going to draw either the backup LB or backup nickel.
-- It's just a good way to stress the assignments of an injured defense.

Again though, watch for AU to use motion to an even greater extent:
- I've often said that they were at their best when they:
-- 1) Have a dual-threat quarterback to draw an extra assignment, and
-- 2) Have great receiving TEs and HBs that can block well
-- Point 2 is just as important as point 1.
- At their best, they force you into nickel personnel because the TEs will split wide.
- Then, they motion into a heavy run formation and batter your nickel who has to play as a LB in the box.
- Many teams can never stop the run, so they have to play base sets to get size on the field.
-- This is when Auburn really kills you with the pass.
-- Their go-ahead TD against MSU in 2013 was a pass to Uzomah in this situation.
- Throughout it all, they use motion to isolate and confuse.
-- A subtlety is that you often play guys out of position.
-- If they go two TE and go 4-wide, you likely have a base defense suddenly trying to do dime defensive assignments.
-- This has always been a problem with Kirby. His defense is very complicated, and his players get out of position when forced into strange roles due to heavy motion and a hurry-up offense.
- You want to simplify your defense to reduce confusion.
-- On one hand, it reduces your ability to impact the game by giving unexpected looks.
-- On the other, complex defenses often can't compensate for the shifts and you get major busts that lead to points.
- The development of Cox is huge here.
-- They really, really suffered when they lost Prosch.
-- Cox playing at a high level makes them more multiple. The more he can do, the more formations they can run.
-- IMHO, the UGA loss last year was mainly due to AU losing their FB. When he went out of the game, they became far easier to defend formationally.
- I really recommend reading this article by 247. It does a great job of showing how Georgia made a ton of errors due to Auburn's shifts that really hurt them in the game.
-- Between the Lines: Shifts, motions confusing Auburn opponents

On how the national media disregards our FSU win:
- Do you think Oklahoma would have a better record than FSU if they started Blackman instead of Mayfield?
- If OU lost just the one-possession games they've played, they'd be 5-6 on the year (FSU would be 5-6 if they had played ULM).
- Remember, Francois was also a heisman trophy contender.
- Honestly, I can't wrap my head around it. If OU lost Mayfield, they'd probably be worse than FSU is now. Yet no one views us as beating a healthy OU-like team.
-- And OU's defense is incredibly worse than FSU's, even after they gave up.
- FSU would almost certainly beat NC State, Miami, and UL with Francois, as those games were all down to the wire as it was (8-3 record).
- They were 14-17 against Clemson with 6:46 in the 4th, before Blackman gave them two easy scores.
- The Boston College 35-2 beatdown came with Blackman passing for 3.9 ypa.
-- They only gave up 2.7 ypa themselves, but their offense was so bad they eventually wore down against the 55 carries they faced.
- FSU really is quite possibly a 1 or 2-loss team with Francois.

On the model:

Alabama - 26
Auburn - 19

Note that the defenses are pretty similar, with us being slightly better against the run and the pass.
- However, there are two keys:
-- First, our offense is about a half/yard play better than theirs going into the game.
-- Second, we are more efficient at converting yards into points than they are.
- This is how the model gives us a 7-point edge.
-- Given that I don't account for home field, which is usually worth about 3 points, this is pretty well in line with Vegas.
- The one interesting point, to me, is that our passing averages are predicted to be about the same.
-- Jalen is only slightly behind Stidham in passing stats going into this, and our defensive advantage makes up the difference.
-- Further, Jalen made massive strides in throwing against the blitz against LSU and MSU.
-- Against LSU, those passes were just dropped, in part due to LSU's uniquely physical corners (no one else, including AU, has LSUs physicality in man coverage).
- I think our passing game ends up being the deciding factor.
-- We have a really significant edge at receiver. Frankly, no Auburn receiver would start for Alabama (particularly now that the freshmen have come on).
-- Assuming the last few gamnes weren't a fluke, Jalen has gained the confidence to take advantage of blitzing defenders.
-- This would have a huge impact. All it takes is two big plays to put up 14 points and put the game out of reach.

We did an almost hour-long video on the game with a lot more to discuss (there's little overlap with the above). I encourage you to check it out.
We also talked on:
Georgia v Georgia Tech (with a model)
Clemson v South Carolina (with a model) and
Ohio State v Michigan (with a model)

 

[bamaledge]

I thought the same as you. Stop stidham stop the barn.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Looking at Auburn:
-- Every stalled drive (punt or sack) ended on a failed Stidham pass or scramble.

- Simply put, if you stop Stidham, you stop them from scoring. Period.

I thought the same as you. Stop stidham stop the barn.

This isn't as much about Stidham as it is making sure we keep them in third and long situations. They don't put the ball in Stidham's hands on 3rd and short. They give it to Johnson. Johnson went for 167 against Georgia. If UGA had shut down the run, Stidham wouldn't have been in a position to make plays. I say we stop the run and force Stidham, with a rusher in his face, to beat us.

 

[RollllTide!]

Here is one good reason we will win.

 

[planomateo]

 

[gc90]

I am not confident we can win this game.

Ole Miss easily controlled their Dline the same one which Bama was terrified about.

Auburn has sometimes hidden their lousy Oline in past years by playing spread concepts.... wonder if we can protect our Oline woes.

 

[bamaledge]

I am not confident we can win this game.

Ole Miss easily controlled their Dline the same one which Bama was terrified about.

Auburn has sometimes hidden their lousy Oline in past years by playing spread concepts.... wonder if we can protect our Oline woes.

That’s why we play the game.
“Go hide in a hole if you wish, but you won’t live one instant longer.”

 

[18Champs]

Ole Miss easily controlled their Dline the same one which Bama was terrified about.

Terrified about? Good lord. What world have you been living in the last few years?

Auburn has sometimes hidden their lousy Oline in past years by playing spread concepts.... wonder if we can protect our Oline woes.

OL woes? Err, what? Name a better offensive line in the conference. Please.

 

[gc90]

Terrified about? Good lord. What world have you been living in the last few years?

OL woes? Err, what? Name a better offensive line in the conference. Please.

woes may be harsh but dont tell me MSU did not control LOS

contrast that to how OleMiss OL handled MSU DL

 

[rick4bama]

The only time the awburn cheerleaders look good!

Is there a photo of any of Bama cheerleaders with and Awburn Coach?

 

[TUSKtimes]

woes may be harsh but dont tell me MSU did not control LOS

On an Off day against a home team that wanted it badly. What about the rest of the season? I just read a pile of predictions for the Iron Bowl and you know what I read and didn't read?

Many who were leaning toward the barn to win still were eager to mention our injuries to the LBs as a reason. I didn't read one prognostication on the idea that the barn will be without two starters on their defense and here's the best part, it's as if it's just not an issue for defensive success against Alabama. Their second best defensive player and their starting DB in the nickel and it's not even being mentioned or considered a weakness. Nevermind we are bringing the #1 defense in the land and our rushing defense is #1 and our passing defense is #1 in the SEC.

I just read a position by position analysis and lo and behold Jalen Hurts and Stidham are considered a wash at the position at QB. Absolutely, even-steven. The returning offensive player of the year in the SEC and undefeated in the regular season in 2 years and he can't get a lean against a QB that up into the LSU loss couldn't rally his team through the air or on the ground twice this season in the biggest of games. Yep, that Stidham.

That barner field is apparently one hell of a home-field advantage. Or, my friend, we are officially knee deep in total BS.

 

[ComeOnSon]

On an Off day against a home team that wanted it badly. What about the rest of the season? I just read a pile of predictions for the Iron Bowl and you know what I read and didn't read?

Many who were leaning toward the barn to win still were eager to mention our injuries to the LBs as a reason. I didn't read one prognostication on the idea that the barn will be without two starters on their defense and here's the best part, it's as if it's just not an issue for defensive success against Alabama. Their second best defensive player and their starting DB in the nickel and it's not even being mentioned or considered a weakness. Nevermind we are bringing the #1 defense in the land and our rushing defense is #1 and our passing defense is #1 in the SEC.

I just read a position by position analysis and lo and behold Jalen Hurts and Stidham are considered a wash at the position at QB. Absolutely, even-steven. The returning offensive player of the year in the SEC and undefeated in the regular season in 2 years and he can't get a lean against a QB that up into the LSU loss couldn't rally his team through the air or on the ground twice this season in the biggest of games. Yep, that Stidham.

That barner field is apparently one hell of a home-field advantage. Or, my friend, we are officially knee deep in total BS.

I’ve been reading and hearing that same crap all week. Got me to thinking...why isn’t auburn #1? I mean Bama has no chance so why are they #1? Even some of the very people that admit they did or would put them #1 are saying Bama can’t beat the barn. Why are we even playing the game? Let’s just get to Saturday and, as Mack Wilson said, “lock them gates!”.

Roll Tide.