Alabama Football: Game Prediction No. 3 in ‘Iron Bowl 2019’ Series

With the story still focused on Tua Tagovailoa‘s absence, Alabama Football will have to rely on old-school success to best Auburn in the annual Iron Bowl matchup.

Mac Jones will step onto his biggest stage yet Saturday as Alabama Football takes on Auburn in a must-win game with Playoff implications for the Tide. While his performance will be important, Jones needs to focus on playing his best game rather than trying to fill the massive shoes Tua left behind.

The story of the game will be the Alabama Football offensive line versus the Auburn Tigers’ defensive line. The Tide’s offensive line will need to have their best game of the season to set up Mac Jones and Najee Harris for the most amount of success possible. The Tiger’s defense is the best the Tide will have faced this season with their strength reliant on their impressive defensive line.

If the Alabama offensive line can protect Mac Jones and give him time to sit in the pocket and throw, the Alabama Football offense should find success with their star receivers against the Auburn secondary. Despite not being named finalists for any national awards, the Alabama receiver core should have a clear advantage over the Auburn defensive backs. The level to which that advantage will be used will depend solely on offensive line play.

Najee Harris will be a key component to the Alabama pass game as well. Harris does well in pass protection and can also be used as a wheel route on the outside when Jones needs a quick release throw if the downfield passes are not available. While not serving as a traditional running back all the time, Harris’ receiving abilities have been a huge advantage on third and short situations for the Tide.

The Alabama defensive line will need to have a big day as well. Their ability to get pressure on young quarterback Bo Nix will be the key to limiting Auburn’s offense. While not as stout as in recent years, the Alabama defense has a clear advantage over the Auburn offense. Bo Nix has done well at times but has struggled against better opponents this season. Xavier McKinney and Trevon Diggs should have big games for the Alabama Football defense if they can exploit Nix’s inexperience.

The Alabama Crimson Tide is only a 3.5 point favorite over Auburn at Jordan-Hare this Saturday. Regardless of rankings or standings, the Iron Bowl is never guaranteed for either team. The rivalry does guarantee an exciting game. The Alabama Football team has lost two of the last three Iron Bowls played in Jordan-Hare, although one of those losses did not end up mattering in the Playoff race.

This year’s game will matter. Alabama needs a victory to have any argument for making it to the Playoff. While it is not guaranteed even with a win, this is another year where Alabama is a part of the playoff conversation.

The Alabama Football team’s College Football Playoff hopes ride on the shoulders of the Alabama offensive line, Mac Jones, and the mistakes of young Auburn quarterback Bo Nix.

I expect the Alabama offensive line to hold up enough for Mac Jones to make some big plays. Najee Harris will struggle running it up the middle but takes advantage of the edge on short passes. The Alabama defensive backs will have a big day, and the Tide takes care of business in Jordan-Hare.

We have one more game prediction to be published before the Iron Bowl. Check in with Bama Hammer, early Saturday morning.