This year’s Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn won’t have the stakes – and (most likely) the once-in-a-lifetime dramatic ending – of last year’s edition, but there’s always a lot to play for when these two state rivals get together.
With a win, Bama can wrap up the SEC West and book its ticket to the conference championship game en route to a possible College Football Playoff berth. But the Auburn Tigers will be eager to finish a rather disappointing season on a high and won’t go down to the Crimson Tide without a fight.
Find all you need to know for this all-important SEC showdown below, much like how you can get every relevant detail in our preview of the big B1G West-clinching game between Minnesota and Wisconsin, which you can find here.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa
When: Saturday, November 29, 7:45 PM ET
Line: Auburn Tigers (+9.5) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (-9.5) – view all NCAA Football lines
Betting on the Auburn Tigers
Last season, Auburn headed into the Iron Bowl riding a seven-game winning streak, which included the incredible Prayer at Jordan Hare Hail Mary to beat Georgia. This season, though, the Tigers will come into Tuscaloosa on a two-game conference losing skid after a heartbreaking 41-38 home loss to Texas A&M followed by a demoralizing 34-7 drubbing on the road to Georgia.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]The high-powered Auburn offense was completely shut down by the Bulldogs and held to a season-low 292 total yards and seven points, their lowest output in Gus Malzahn’s two-year reign. But after a bounce-back 31-7 win over Samford, this Tigers team should not be underestimated and are still very much capable of putting up points, even against tough defenses.
Remember, Malzahn’s offense gave Nick Saban’s famed defense all sorts of problems in their dramatic 34-28 win last season as they ran for close to 300 yards on the Tide. And against the toughest defense they’ve faced to date in Ole Miss, the Tigers scored 35 points and racked up 502 total yards of offense.
However, it’s still tough to completely trust in this Auburn team, especially as it continues to give up points, not to mention the ball. The Tigers have surrendered 30-plus points in each of their last five SEC games, which haven’t been aided by the whopping 14 turnovers they’ve committed.
After covering its first two games, Auburn is now just 2-9 against the spread this season.
Betting on the Alabama Crimson Tide
The first 20 minutes aside, Alabama wasn’t given too much of a problem by FCS school Western Carolina as the Crimson Tide rolled to a 48-14 win in their Iron Bowl tune-up on Saturday.
The Tide didn’t come away completely unscathed, though, as star wide receiver Amari Cooper, left tackle Cam Robinson and defensive end A’Shawn Robinson, all came away with injuries. Cooper played only one series after bruising his knee, while both Robinsons suffered ankle sprains. However, their injuries don’t seem to be too serious.
Running back T.J. Yeldon, receiver DeAndrew White and kicker Adam Griffith were already held out due to their niggling injuries, but all are expected to play against Auburn.
After looking very impressive in non-conference play, Alabama’s offense has been very inconsistent in the SEC. In conference play, the Tide are just fifth in scoring at 30.1 points per game, and are sixth in total offense at 431 yards per game. Their rushing attack, once viewed as a major strength at the start of the year, is a disappointing seventh with 166 yards per game.
But the Tide haven’t had too many problems pouring in the points at home against SEC opposition. Alabama has averaged 42 points in three home games, which includes its 59-0 demolition of Texas A&M and a 25-20 victory against then-No. 1-ranked Mississippi State.
And if any team can stop Auburn’s high-octane running attack, it’s Alabama’s run defense, which is ranked third overall in average rushing yards allowed and has allowed just two rushing touchdowns all season.
Also, don’t underestimate head coach Nick Saban’s search for revenge against the team that ended his season last year in front of his home support, especially given the gut-wrenching manner of their defeat. The Crimson Tide have won their last eight conference home games, and are 7-1 against the spread.
Writer’s Prediction
Bama beats up on Auburn to clinch the SEC West, but the Tigers tough it out and cover on the road. Create a betting account now and be part of the biggest game in the country’s best conference.
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