No. 7 Alabama looks to end its season on a high Saturday afternoon when it hosts rival Auburn at the SEC’s Iron Bowl in CBS’ Game of the Week. The Crimson Tide won’t be representing the SEC West at the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta next weekend, but a state championship against the Tigers is something every Alabama coach emphasizes all year.
The Tigers had a frustrating year that resulted in the Oct. 31 firing of coach Bryan Harsin. But caretaker coach and Tigers legend Carnell “Cadillac” Williams has ignited much-needed life into the program, winning two games in a row and achieving success in taking the job full-time. A win over Alabama would certainly help strengthen this case.
What happens on Saturday afternoon? Let’s preview the game and select direct and against the spread.
Alabama vs. Auburn: Must know
Looking ahead?: Alabama has been out of the SEC West’s title hunt since mid-November, which is not normal for a program accustomed to fighting for not only the conference title but also the college football playoffs. That prompted reporters to ask star players if they’d considered dropping out of Alabama’s bowl game, including star quarterback Bryce Young.
“As far as my future goes, I take everything one day at a time,” he said. “All I focused on all year was the next opponent and obviously that’s huge. This is a huge game. It means a lot to me, to the people across the state, and to us as a team. This is a huge game, so I’m just thinking about today. How can I be the best version of myself today to put myself in the best circumstances of how we can do that as a team and that’s all I’m thinking focused.”
It certainly looked like Young endorsed it last weekend. He was 22 of 30 for 264 yards and two touchdowns against Austin Peay last week before Jalen Milroe came in to end the game. This was in a meaningless game against an FCS opponent, not in a fight for state bragging rights. Alabama’s players know how much this game means, so don’t expect them to send in this game during their final game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Grind and Crush: Running backs Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter have each surpassed the 100-yard mark in Auburn’s last two games, which has not only come with wins but also a return to the old-school football that caretaker coach Williams was successful with when he Player for the Tigers was from 2001-04. Bigsby and Hunter did so despite not having much pass threat downfield from quarterback Robby Ashford.
Alabama has given up more than 180 rushing yards in three of its last four conference games, with the breakaway coming up against a Mississippi State team that uses its short passing attack as a substitute for running the ball. This isn’t a typical Alabama defense, and if Auburn wants to cause a stir, it needs to take advantage of its newfound commitment to the rushing offense.
Try out?: Rumors have swirled about Auburn’s next head coach, and most of them haven’t focused on Williams. But that could change if he gets upset about Alabama. “Cadillac” has won two of his last three games and will be pulling out all the stops in his first – and perhaps only – Iron Bowl coaching experience.
Does the idea of a fuss seem crazy? On the surface, yes. But Auburn was a 20.5-point underdog going into last season’s Iron Bowl but took the Crimson Tide to four overtimes before John Metchie III broke their hearts. Expect plenty of fireworks from Iron and Blue as they pull off one of the biggest surprises of the season.
How to watch Alabama vs Auburn live
date: Saturday, November 26 | time: 3:30 p.m. ET
location: Bryant Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
TV: CBS | Live broadcast: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
Alabama vs. Auburn prediction, tips
Featured Game | Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers
I’ll take the Crimson Tide to win and find cover, although it won’t be easy. Auburn’s rushing attack is deadly, but the Crimson Tide is talented enough to stay disciplined and make sure Bigsby and Hunter don’t keep breaking loose. That defense will wear down Auburn’s offensive line and force Ashford into some awkward spots. This game will be out for about two and a half quarters, but Alabama will retire for late cover. Forecast: Alabama (-22)
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