Alabama Football: Four Bold Predictions for the Iron Bowl
By Ronald Moody
No.5 Alabama football visits No.15 Auburn Saturday afternoon for the soul of Alabama. The Iron Bowl winner owns bragging rights in the state for the next 365 days. Auburn seeks revenge after losing 52-21 last season in Tuscaloosa.
Rivalry week is here for Alabama football.
Throw the records out the window.
This is the first time since 2011 that neither Alabama or Auburn will represent the SEC West in the championship. Nonetheless, Alabama has a puncher’s chance of making the College Football Playoffs six years in a row, if they can pull out a win Saturday. Auburn would love to demolish the Tide postseason hopes.
Jordan Hare Stadium is a challenging place for Alabama. Harder than the acclaimed Death Valley. In 2013, the infamous “Kick Six” happened, undoing Alabama championship aspirations. The Crimson Tide fell to the Tigers in 2017 at home but still went on to win the national championship.
What does this year have in store for the Tide at Jordan Hare?
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn knows this is a must-win for him.
If he loses, the fans will clamor for a new coach. For the last two years, the defense is championship-worthy. In contrast, the offense, Malzahn’s area of expertise is average, at best. Expect the head coach to open up the playbook, play NASCAR fast, and leave everything on the field to win the Iron Bowl.
Can Mac Jones weather the storm and lead Alabama football in his first true road test?