Alabama Football: Game Prediction No. 2 in ‘Iron Bowl 2019’ Series

The Auburn defensive gameplan will be to stack the box and cover the short routes. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will dare Jones to throw downfield.

Steve Sarkisian, Alabama football, offensive coordinator, will counter by looking to get Jones going early, attacking the edges of the defense. Once the vaunted Auburn defensive linemen are huffing and puffing, then attack the Auburn defensive backfield.

Again, the Tide does not need a Herculean performance from Mac Jones. They only need a steady one.

Legendary performance for NIx?

Whenever Alabama loses, there is an explosive performance from the quarterback. Joe Burrow. Cam Newton. Deshaun Watson. Johnny Manziel. Stephen Garcia. Trevor Lawrence.

Can Bo Nix add his name to this storied list of all world performers? I don’t think so.

Below is a tweet from sports reporter Cole Cubelic:

It is well documented how Alabama has struggled on defense. However, they are ranked sixteenth in total defense (315 yards a game) and lead the nation in turnover margin (+17). Nix can make big-time throws, look at the game-winning throw against Oregon.

Can he do it consistently? No.

Gus Malzahn knows the importance of leaving Jordan Hare victorious Saturday.  Expect Malzahn to give Alabama hell in the first two quarters with sugar huddles, trick plays, and plays the Tide haven’t seen on film. Saban and Golding will adjust and slow down the bespectacled offensive coach.

Auburn three losses came at the hands of No.1 LSU, No.4 Georgia, and No.11 Florida.

If the Alabama Crimson Tide wishes to send a deafening message to the Playoff Committee, they must curb stomp the Tigers in hostile territory.

They will.

Editor’s Note: This post is the second in our series of ‘Iron Bowl 2019’ game predictions. Check out our first game prediction from Bama Hammer Contributor, Zachary Mangum here.