Alabama football will host the Auburn Tigers in the 85th Iron Bowl Saturday.
Touchdown Alabama’s staff predicts how this game will play out:
STEPHEN M. SMITH / SENIOR REPORTER
Alabama 35 – Auburn 14
Key Insight: “ With Nick Saban out, Steve Sarkisian will play some young players, but the offense will be balanced. He has worked with the team all week and the players have rallied around him. Expect to see a power run game, but Mac Jones will take shots
Defensively, Pete Golding will show the world that the Alabama group is improved.“
JUSTIN SMITH / SCOUTING/RECRUITING ANALYST
Alabama 45 – Auburn 24
Key Insight: The Iron Bowl is a difficult game to predict because records are typically thrown out the window when the Tide and the Tigers get together. We have seen the underdog pull off shocking wins in this rivalry in recent years and odd things have been known to happen. On paper, Alabama should win this one by a big margin. I expect them to do so, but I would not be surprised if this game is thrown out of wack with some unusual plays. Alabama’s offense should operate as usual by putting up big points, but expect Gus Malzahn to have Auburn’s offense looking efficient early on. I feel Alabama will be balanced on offense and will try to get Najee Harris involved with the running game. This game could be won by Alabama’s defense, especially if they can rattle Bo Nix and stop him from using his dangerous weapons outside.”
PATRICK DOWD / ALABAMA BEAT REPORTER
Alabama 41 – Auburn 24
Key Insight: “Not having your head coach on the sidelines will make an impact on any team. But Alabama’s talent and experience brought from offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will be enough to overcome the loss of Nick Saban. Mac Jones knows what he has to do after struggling during last years iron bowl and an improving Alabama defense will have a chance to show out against its biggest rival.”
