In 48 hours, Alabama football's entire season will come down to how it performs in Jordan-Hare Stadium against Auburn. The Crimson Tide has the right attitude, as they have all season long, and know it's more about what they do, and less about what Auburn does.
Alabama is the better team. It should win, Jordan-Hare voodoo be damned.
But the mistake-prone Crimson Tide team we've seen in recent weeks isn't enough to get it done against the Tigers.
Too much has been said about motivation on both sides. Of course Auburn is motivated to win the game. It's the Iron Bowl. Both teams are motivated, and no amount of bulletin board material is going to change any of that.
If you need something to get the juices flowing for this game, you're doing something wrong.
Let's take a crack at some bold predictions that would go a long way toward an Alabama victory.
These bold predictions would go a long way toward an Alabama win over Auburn
1. Ty Simpson avoids turnovers, reminds everyone of the 'old' Ty
Much has been discussed this week about the (comparative) November slump Ty Simpson has been in. After positioning himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, his performances over the last two games have fallen short of the high bar he set throughout September and October.
So much so, that Simpson was asked about the "old" Ty during media this week.
“Everybody likes to say, what happened to the old Ty? What happened to him?” Simpson said. "Got to go one for one. Everybody is wondering what’s going on. Nothing is going on. We’ve just got to go play our ball.”
One of the biggest issues plaguing Simpson is a recent trend of becoming turnover-prone. The Crimson Tide signal-caller has turned it over in seven straight games, including multiple turnovers in each of Alabama's last two games.
Taking care of the football on Saturday night will be paramount to Alabama's ability to win. I think not only will he avoid turnovers, but he's going to remind everyone why many were boldly proclaiming he's the best quarterback in the country.
2. Ryan Williams has his Iron Bowl moment
There may not be a player on the Alabama roster more motivated to perform well in this game than Ryan Williams. For the in-state guys, the Iron Bowl means something more. They grew up around it, knowing it's more than just a game. It means everything to the people in this state.
Williams had a drop in the endzone in last season's Iron Bowl that took away a touchdown he should've scored. Drops have, obviously, been a major issue for the sophomore wide receiver this season. But he's still one of the most exciting and explosive players in the country.
This feels like the time he has his moment. In what will likely be his only Iron Bowl in Jordan-Hare, Williams will live out the "hell in white" mantra of this team, and produce a big performance that includes a touchdown - or two.
3. Alabama's defense keeps Auburn out of the endzone
Now for the boldest take. Auburn's offense has played better since firing Hugh Freeze, but Alabama's defense has morphed into one of the best in the entire country. Kane Wommack has done exceptional work, and after last week's demolishing of Eastern Illinois, the Tide is No. 1 in the SEC in total defense.
Over the last three games, Alabama's defense has only allowed one touchdown. That touchdown was due to a short field following a turnover, too.
Auburn will get points. They have an elite kicker and will make three or four field goals. But Alabama's defense will flex its muscles and keep the Tigers out of the endzone.