Key questions heading into No. 10 Alabama’s game at Auburn

Sep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) celebrates after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Bragging rights, a bowl game and a trip to the College Football Playoff are all on the line for this year’s Iron Bowl. No. 10 Alabama (9-2, 6-1) enters the rivalry game looking to lock up a trip to the SEC Championship Game. Meanwhile, Auburn (5-6, 1-6) is hoping to salvage its season by spoiling the Tide’s playoff chances while securing bowl eligibility. 

After opening as 3.5-point favorites, Alabama has seen the spread climb to 6.5. The Tide has won the last five Iron Bowls and holds a 51–37–1 advantage in the rivalry. Last year, Alabama beat Auburn 28-14 inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. 

This year’s matchup will be inside Jordan-Hare Stadium, where Auburn has beaten Alabama three of the last six times the two teams have met. Alabama won the last two games at Auburn but needed to survive a four-overtime thriller in 2021 before winning on the famous Gravedigger play in the final minute in 2023. 

Here are five questions heading into Saturday’s matchup.