After suffering a shocking loss to New Mexico State, Auburn (6-5, 3-4 SEC) has prepared for its biggest game this season: the Iron Bowl. The Tigers will host the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-1, 7-0 SEC) in the 88th Iron Bowl, celebrating the 10th year since the Kick Six.
Bama leads this historic matchup 49-37-1, dating all the way back to 1893. Suffering a three-year drought, Auburn is hungry for a victory over Alabama. The last win was in 2019 with Gus Malzahn at the helm and Bo Nix in the pocket.
Head coach Nick Saban and his Tide will make a stop at Jordan-Hare Stadium before traveling to Atlanta for the SEC Championship against No. 1 Georgia.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
AUBURN:
Jarquez Hunter (RB)
Auburn’s offensive rhythm is dictated by its running back room, which starting running back Hunter leads. The former three-star running back leads the charge on the rushing front, rushing for 772 total yards in 10 games and seven touchdowns while averaging 77.2 yards a game.
Eugene Asante - LB
Asante has been dominant this season for the Tigers, being named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week once while generating buzz around his name in the NFL Draft. The Alexandria, Virginia, native leads Auburn’s defense with 79 total tackles – 47 solo and 32 assisted – five sacks and five QB hurries.
ALABAMA:
Jalen Milroe - QB
Like many Alabama quarterbacks before him, Milroe is a dual threat in passing and rushing – making him explosive on the field. The redshirt sophomore has thrown for 2,267 yards with 142 completions (66%) and only six interceptions, while also securing 19 touchdowns through the air. With his legs, Milroe has rushed for 332 net yards to score 12 touchdowns and averages 33.2 yards a game. Against Mississippi State, the Katy, Texas, native achieved his longest rush this season, going for a 53-yard touchdown.
Caleb Downs - DB
The young freshman leads Bama’s defense with 90 total tackles – 55 solo and 35 assisted – one forced fumble and a pair of interceptions. Later this season, Downs replaced Kool-Aid McKinstry as the punt returner against Chattanooga, showcasing his speed. On his first punt return, Downs ran 85 yards toward the end zone to secure a touchdown.
KEYS TO VICTORY
ALABAMA:
To secure its 50th Iron Bowl, Bama must let Milroe control the game’s pace. Being a threat on the ground and in the air, the starting quarterback can challenge Auburn’s defense. Going behind enemy lines, it will be crucial to strike first and gain that early momentum to keep the fans at bay.
If the Tide want to keep the Tigers off the board, they must eliminate Auburn’s rushing game to force Payton Thorne to utilize his arm and hope that he makes a mistake. Alabama’s defense must also be flexible to in-game adjustments.
AUBURN:
With passing being a struggle for Freeze’s offense, it is crucial for Auburn’s running back room to be successful and pressure Alabama’s defense, giving Thorne room to throw downfield.
Ron Roberts’ defense is and has been the strongest aspect for the Tigers, keeping games close. During its 0-4 SEC streak, Auburn maintained a tied score with No. 1 Georgia until the fourth quarter and had another tied score with No. 13 Ole Miss until halftime – mostly thanks to its defense.
The final key to victory is home field advantage. The Tigers will rely on the unpredictable environment of Jordan-Hare Stadium as there have been several games where the Tide was better on the stat sheet, but Auburn stole the victory.
The Tigers and the Tide will face off on the Plains at 2:30 p.m. CST. This historic matchup will be televised on CBS.
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Caitlyn Griffin is a sophomore from Huntsville, Alabama, majoring in journalism. She started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
Twitter: @caitlyngrif99
