With Auburn looking to pick up its first win in Tuscaloosa since 2010 here's what some of our sports staff has to say about the matchup between Auburn and No. 13 Alabama on Saturday, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Alabama 31-27
"Kalen DeBoer and Alabama have been great this season when their backs have been against the wall — especially at home. I certainly think there is a path to win for Auburn but it would go against everything we've seen all season for the Tigers to walk into Tuscaloosa and win. That being said, I wouldn't put it past them."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Alabama 35-20
"It's the Iron Bowl, so it's going to be a weird game that defies pretty much all logic and reason, but I still expect Alabama to win. If this game was at Auburn, I would be inclined to pick the Tigers, but overall, I think the Crimson Tide is more talented up and down their roster."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Alabama 28-21
"Auburn is playing its best football as of late, with wideouts Cam Coleman and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, along with running back Jarquez Hunter leading the charge. The Tigers are on a two-game winning streak and, offensively, they may be hitting their stride.
However, Auburn has not kept an Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa remotely close in a decade. While I do think Auburn can - and will - keep this game close, I don't think the Tigers are as talented from top-to-bottom to go into Bryant-Denny Stadium and win on Saturday."
Craig Noyes, Sports Writer: Auburn 27-17
"Auburn is playing its best ball of the season and will be catching Alabama at the right time. The Tigers are fighting for more than bowl eligibility while the Tide likely have had their playoff hopes dashed by the Sooners. Watch for the Tigers to lean on Jarquez Hunter and pull off the upset."
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: Alabama 31-21
"Throughout this season the Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide have been characterized by one thing above the rest and that thing is unpredictability. Auburn and Alabama will face off Saturday in Tuscaloosa the 89th iteration of the Iron Bowl as Alabama Head Coach Kalen Deboer will get to experience the rivalry for the first time.
"I believe that the Tigers will make it extremely difficult on Alabama’s defense through the run game as they are missing some key players due to injury on that side of the ball including star Middle Linebacker Deontae Lawson. The Tide will have to counter Auburn’s run game with their own in order to be successful and although I believe the Tigers will put up a good fight I think the Tide will find ways to force turnovers as they have done so much this year and take advantage of Auburn’s secondary with their strong receiving core. The game will go back in forth but in the end I believe Alabama will come out on top."
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