No. 3 Alabama Football vs Auburn: preview, TV schedule
By Matt Melton
Alabama Offense
The Crimson Tide offense is headlined by Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Bryce Young, who has thrown for 3,584 yards and 38 touchdowns so far this season. In addition to Young, wide receiver Jameson Williams has caught a combined six touchdowns the last two weeks, while John Metchie III and Cameron Latu have also caught six-or-more touchdowns on the season. Senior Brian Robinson Jr anchors the ground game, while Trey Sanders will also feature an increased role.
Alabama Defense
The Alabama defense is headlined by another Heisman Trophy candidate in pass rusher Will Anderson Jr., who has totaled 78 tackles and 13.5 sacks for the year. Joining Anderson along the defensive line are multiple others including Phil Mathis and Dallas Turner, who have combined for 8.5 sacks on the season, while linebacker Henry To’o To’o is coming off his best game of the year. Safety Jordan Battle leads the secondary, while the cornerback spot will feature Jalyn Armour-Davis and either Kool-Aid McKinstry or Josh Jobe.
Auburn Offense
With the previously mentioned injury to Nix, the Auburn offense is led by quarterback TJ Finley, who made his first start of the season a week ago after transferring from LSU in the offseason. Joining Finley in the backfield is star running back Tank Bigsby, who will likely eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the season on Saturday needing only 60 yards on the ground. In addition to Bigsby, the Tigers also use running back Jarquez Hunter often, while the receiving game features numerous different options headlined by Shedrick Jackson, Kobe Hudson, and Demetris Robertson, as well as tight end John Samuel Shenker.
Auburn Defense
Leading the Auburn defense is the linebacker duo of Zakoby McClain and Chandler Wooten, both of whom are by far the Tigers’ leading tacklers. The Tigers pass rush features names such as Derick Hall, Colby Wooden, TD Moultry, and Eku Leota, while Owen Pappoe will also see time at linebacker with the previously mentioned McClain and Wooten if available. The Auburn secondary features a familiar name in safety Smoke Monday, while Zion Puckett and Roger McCreary will also play key roles.