In a rivalry where records and prestige do not matter, physicality means everything in the Iron Bowl.
Usually, the team that sets the tone early and maintains it wins the game. During two of the last three meetings between Alabama and Auburn, the Tigers carried more of a physical edge in the run game. Kerryon Johnson posted 104 yards rushing on 30 carries in 2017, while JaTarvious Whitlow had 16 carries for 114 yards last season. Auburn was victorious in both games.
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This season, the Crimson Tide has an offensive line that is recognized as arguably the best in college football.
Media pundits and opposing head coaches have raved about this group and heading into Saturday’s meeting, Gus Malzahn of Auburn referred to the Tide’s offensive unit as the best he has seen. Since gaining Landon Dickerson in 2019, Alabama has a toughness up front that it did not have in 2018. The group of Dickerson, Alex Leatherwood, Deonte Brown, Emil Ekiyor and Evan Neal has guided one of the nation’s most explosive and balanced offenses. Mac Jones has only been sacked seven times, and Najee Harris has three 100-yard rushing games and six 100-yard performances from scrimmage this year.
For an offense that leads the Southeastern Conference in scoring (49.4 ppg) and is second for yards per game (548.6), Alabama’s front line must lean on the Tigers and wear it thin. Jones will have his opportunities at quarterback to stretch the field, but this is a chance for Harris and others in the Tide’s rotation at running back to gash Auburn’s defensive front.
Steve Sarkisian will coach the Iron Bowl in Nick Saban’s absence, due to COVID-19, and he will look to take some shots and possibly get some young players into the game. This situation is one for the offensive line to impose its will on the Tigers.
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Deonte Brown, a redshirt senior, is the lone starter on the line who is from the state of Alabama.
“Any kid that plays football in Alabama, they dream of this game,” Brown said of the Iron Bowl rivalry.
When it comes to having Dickerson, Brown said the senior is a ‘mauler’ up front.
“With all that aggression and tenacity, he is still able to conduct the offensive line and get us in the right spots,” Brown said of Dickerson.
Continuity is what has made this group very strong. Per Brown, Alabama has a ‘built in chemistry’ on the line.
“It is the experience we have,” he said. “We have three seniors and one true sophomore that started as a freshman. We also have our other newcomer who is also smart and very athletic. We have been around football a lot.”
The newcomer to the group is Emil Ekiyor Jr.
After the Tide graduated Jedrick Wills to the National Football League, there was some concern about who would emerge at right tackle. Alabama decided to transition Evan Neal to the role, while Ekiyor stepped up and won the right guard position.
Despite allowing seven quarterback hurries, the redshirt sophomore has only given up one sack.
Balance will be important in a meeting with Auburn, and the offensive line for Alabama must provide it.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
