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There have been some exciting Iron Bowls over the years, but this will only be the second time in the history of the rivalry that the game will determine the winner of the SEC West.
No. 1 Alabama currently sits at 11-0 (7-0), while No. 6 Auburn is 9-2 (6-1). Despite the Tigers’ two losses, a Playoff berth is still within reach if they win out.
Here are 10 bold predictions for Saturday’s matchup:
1. Alabama gets a trio of players back on defense
There’s been rumblings that the Tide could see three key defensive players return for the Iron Bowl, those being Terrell Lewis, Christian Miller and Mack Wilson.
Sources tell me Christian Miller, Terrell Lewis and Mack Wilson will play in Iron Bowl. If so pass rush goes to another level. Thoughts on game?
— Barry Sanderson (@Barrysanderson) November 24, 2017
Barry Sanderson is the son of former legendary Alabama basketball coach Wimp Sanderson, so one would think his sources would be legitimate.
Nick Saban said last week that none of the players have been medically cleared yet, but the good news is that all three were seen participating in practice on Wednesday — along with offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher — wearing black, non-contact jerseys.
2. Holland gets sacks against both of Alabama’s tackles
Jeff Holland leads the SEC in sacks per game (0.82), which is also good for 9th in the nation.
His nine sacks have come from rushing off the left and ride side, so expect to see him getting looks against Jonah Williams and Matt Womack.
Williams is one of — if not — the best tackles in the SEC, but Holland matches up pretty well against him.
Womack, on the other hand, will consistently struggle to slow down Holland:
Alabama RT Matt Womack is going to have his hands full on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/63n5vv1NeH
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) November 24, 2017
3. Hurts finishes with the most rushing yards
Both Alabama (No. 2) and Auburn (No. 20) have run defenses that rank in the top 20, so it’s likely that neither team will find much success on the ground.
With that said, it’s a lot more difficult to contain the production of a dual-threat quarterback, which means Jalen Hurts’ legs could end up being a huge factor in the game.
The sophomore has rushed for 686 yards and eight touchdowns this season, which are both good for second in the SEC among quarterbacks.
4. Stidham finishes with more yards than any player
With neither team’s running backs having the chance for much success, it’s going to turn into a battle of the two quarterbacks from the state of Texas.
Hurts ends up putting up yardage on the ground, but Stidham is the one who completes a few big plays downfield — allowing him to finish the game with more yards than any player.
Stidham has only attempted more than 30 passes in one game this season (Mercer), but that could change on Saturday.
5. Johnson doesn’t get to the 100-yard mark …
Kerryon Johnson has been one of the SEC’s best running backs this season, leading the conference in rushing yards (1,172) and rushing touchdowns (16). That’s especially impressive when you consider that he missed two games early in the season due to injury.
In addition, the junior from Madison, Ala., has also been held to under 100 yards in only two of the nine games he’s played in.
Still, Alabama has fielded the conference’s top run defense for seven straight seasons and is giving up only 87.36 yards per game in 2017.
6. … but is still able to finish with at least two TDs
Even though Johnson could be held to under 100 yards, it’s also possible for him to score multiple touchdowns.
If you want an example, just look back to the Missouri game in Week 4. Johnson was held to 48 yards on 18 carries but punched it in five times — the most rushing touchdowns that any SEC player has had in one game this season.
He won’t put up that sort of performance, but Gus Malzahn loves Johnson’s ability on the goal line, and with Kamryn Pettway out, he should see all those reps.
7. Alabama gets its first special-teams TD of the season
Auburn’s coverage units have been poor this season, as they’re the only ones in the SEC that have allowed more than one kickoff return of 50-plus yards (2) and more than one punt return of 30-plus yards (2).
On the flip side, Alabama has not been great at returning kickoffs and punts. They’re one of only two SEC teams (LSU) that has not had a kickoff return of at least 40-plus yards, and the team’s punt returners have put the ball on the ground multiple times.
The talent is there for the Tide, however, so expect them to finally break one this week.
8. Auburn is winning at halftime
Alabama hasn’t been trailing at halftime in any game since Week 3 of last season (Ole Miss), but that could change on Saturday.
The Tigers are one of the hottest teams in the SEC, and they’ll be playing in front of a home crowd that hasn’t seen a victory over their instate rival since the Kick Six in 2013.
Expect the Tigers to continue to build on that momentum early, and don’t be surprised if they’re even up by more than one score going into the half.
9. Hurts turns the ball over at least once
One of the most impressive statistics of any player in college football has been Hurts’ lack of turnovers.
In 11 games, he only has one (an interception), but Auburn’s defense is the best that Alabama has played this season. The game is also taking place at Jordan-Hare, which will be the most hostile environment that the Tide has played in as well.
Hurts plays a good game, but the Tigers are able to force him into coughing up the ball at least once.
10. Alabama covers the spread
At one time, the spread for this game was in the double digits, but that all changed when Auburn delivered that 40-17 beatdown to No. 1 Georgia a couple weeks ago.
The market corrected itself, and according the Odds Shark, the line currently sits at -4.5 for Alabama.
This will be one of the most exciting Iron Bowls in recent memory, but Alabama will walk away with a 7-point victory after scoring a late touchdown.
Clint helps cover the SEC West for Saturday Down South. His work can also be found on USA TODAY Sports, The 'Bama Beat podcast and The Bullpen with TonyMac and The Lamb. Previous stops include SEC Country, 247Sports and Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
