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 nationās 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 thatās the case, then Alabama appears to be in better position to prevail. The Tigers have shown some vulnerabilities in both kickoff and punt coverage ā yielding the SECās highest average per opportunity in both disciplines.
Auburn has also surrendered two touchdowns on special teams.
While Alabama doesnāt have a dynamic return game, that could potentially change this Saturday. Elusive running back Josh Jacobs was deployed on kickoffs in the Tideās 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.
āSome 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 Tideās ability to avoid mistakes should serve it well against Auburn, which has recovered 11 fumbles ā tied for tenth-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
In a game that figures to have little margin for error on both sides, Alabamaās 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 ārat poison.ā
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 Tideās close win over Mississippi State earlier this month.
The doubt about Alabamaās 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 Alabamaās undefeated record.
Donāt 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 wouldnāt 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 ā Jamey Mosley ā 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 wonāt hesitate to attack downfield.
But the Crimson Tide has shown it isnāt 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 Auburnās high-octane attack.
3. Jeremy Pruitt has fared well against Gus Malzahn, Auburn
Gus Malzahnās offense has run over a lot of defenses.
But itās largely been contained by the units overseen by Jeremy Pruitt.
Since 2013 ā as the defensive coordinator for Florida State, Georgia and now Alabama ā Pruitt hasnāt 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 didnāt surrender a single touchdown to Auburn as Daniel Carlson made four field goals in the Tigersā 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 Auburnās offense no matter who is behind center.
2. Jalen Hurts is on Alabama's side
Itās 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.
Hurtsā poise has never wavered since he set foot in Tuscaloosa. But this season, Hurts has improved as a passer ā 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 Sabanās Alabama dynasty is the Crimson Tideās success away from home.
The last time Alabama lost a true road game was Oct. 4, 2014 ā a 23-17 setback against Ole Miss. Since then, the Tide has won 14 straight times in opponentsā 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.
Donāt expect Alabama to be rattled when it heads to Jordan-Hare this Saturday.
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 nationās 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 thatās the case, then Alabama appears to be in better position to prevail. The Tigers have shown some vulnerabilities in both kickoff and punt coverage ā yielding the SECās highest average per opportunity in both disciplines.
Auburn has also surrendered two touchdowns on special teams.
While Alabama doesnāt have a dynamic return game, that could potentially change this Saturday. Elusive running back Josh Jacobs was deployed on kickoffs in the Tideās 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.
āSome 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 Tideās ability to avoid mistakes should serve it well against Auburn, which has recovered 11 fumbles ā tied for tenth-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
In a game that figures to have little margin for error on both sides, Alabamaās 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 ārat poison.ā
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 Tideās close win over Mississippi State earlier this month.
The doubt about Alabamaās 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 Alabamaās undefeated record.
Donāt 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 wouldnāt 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 ā Jamey Mosley ā 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 wonāt hesitate to attack downfield.
But the Crimson Tide has shown it isnāt 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 Auburnās high-octane attack.
3. Jeremy Pruitt has fared well against Gus Malzahn, Auburn
Gus Malzahnās offense has run over a lot of defenses.
But itās largely been contained by the units overseen by Jeremy Pruitt.
Since 2013 ā as the defensive coordinator for Florida State, Georgia and now Alabama ā Pruitt hasnāt 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 didnāt surrender a single touchdown to Auburn as Daniel Carlson made four field goals in the Tigersā 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 Auburnās offense no matter who is behind center.
2. Jalen Hurts is on Alabama's side
Itās 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.
Hurtsā poise has never wavered since he set foot in Tuscaloosa. But this season, Hurts has improved as a passer ā 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 Sabanās Alabama dynasty is the Crimson Tideās success away from home.
The last time Alabama lost a true road game was Oct. 4, 2014 ā a 23-17 setback against Ole Miss. Since then, the Tide has won 14 straight times in opponentsā 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.
Donāt expect Alabama to be rattled when it heads to Jordan-Hare this Saturday.
