The motivation of the Auburn team for this season’s Iron Bowl is questionable. Without Bo Nix, a fading Auburn team might not be fully engaged for sixty minutes. Then again, it is the Iron Bowl and to many of the Auburn players fighting for bragging rights matters. At the least, they don’t want to be embarrassed.
Alabama Football vs. Auburn Bold Prediction No. 1
- T.J. Finley has thrown only 65 passes in seven games of mostly backup action. He will have to throw more against the Tide, with at least 25 attempts. He will pass for less than 150 yards.
Iron Bowl Bold Prediction No. 2
- The Auburn running back trio of Tank Bigsby, Jarquez Hunter and Shaun Shivers each have impressive, average yards-per-rush numbers. Against the Crimson Tide none of them will match their season average; 5.3 yards for Bigsby, 7.1 yards for Hunter and 6.2 yards for Shivers. One reason why is Finley’s less-than-stellar accuracy will allow the Tide ‘D’ to load the box to stuff the Auburn running game.
Alabama vs. Auburn Bold Prediction No. 3
- Led by Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner, the Alabama Crimson Tide defense will rattle T.J. Finley with a combined total of seven quarterback hurries and sacks.