Alabama vs. Auburn: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More
In a loaded season full of "biggest" games, the 2013 Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn is the biggest of them all.
To nobody's surprise, undefeated 'Bama is ranked No. 1 in the BCS standings heading into Week 14, and a win on the road over Auburn would put Nick Saban's team one step closer to a three-peat as national champion.
Auburn enters the game as the nation's No. 4 team, however, and the Tigers won't be easily defeated at home. With only one loss to its credit, Auburn has been on a tear since losing to LSU early in the season. A victory would unseat the Crimson Tide in the SEC West too, putting the Tigers atop the powerhouse conference.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Regardless of which team wins, you can be sure both will be featured in one of the prominent bowl games this holiday season. However, with a trip to the BCS National Championship Game on the line, these teams will leave everything on the field Saturday.
Here's a look at when and where you can catch the action, along with injury reports for both teams, an examination of the biggest key of the game and a final prediction.
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, at 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.
Watch: CBS
Betting Lines (via Covers)
- Over/Under: 54.5 points
- Spread: Auburn (+10.5)
Alabama Injury Report (via USA Today)
| Brian Vogler | TE | Prob Sat - Ankle - 11/26/13 |
| Deion Belue | DB | Prob Sat - Toe - 11/26/13 |
| T.J. Yeldon | RB | Prob Sat - Ankle - 11/26/13 |
| Wilson Love | DL | Ques Sat - Concussion - 11/24/13 |
| Alvin Kamara | RB | Ques Sat - Knee - 11/24/13 |
| Vinnie Sunseri | DB | Out for season - Knee - 10/21/13 |
| Nick Perry | DB | Out indefinitely - Shoulder - 9/25/13 |
| Dalvin Tomlinson | DL | Out for season - Knee - 11/20/13 |
Auburn Injury Report (via USA Today)
| Patrick Miller | OL | Ques Sat - Disciplinary - 11/24/13 |
| Joshua Holsey | DB | out for season - Knee - 10/26/13 |
| Justin Garrett | LB | Out indefinitely - Undisclosed - 10/17/13 |
| Jaylon Denson | WR | Out for season - Knee - 9/25/13 |
| Jeffrey Whitaker | DT | Out for season - Leg - 10/8/13 |
Can Nick Marshall Break Alabama's Top-Ranked Defense?
Just like we saw from Alabama last year, the Crimson Tide feature the nation's top-ranked scoring defense coming into the game, allowing just 9.3 points per game. Only two teams have scored more than 10 points against 'Bama this year—Texas A&M (42 points) and LSU (17 points).
Auburn's offense is predicated on running the ball, and the Tigers bring the nation's No. 3 rushing attack to this contest. Led by junior running back Tre Mason, who has 17 touchdown runs this year, the Tigers average 320.3 rushing yards per game.
But running the ball against Alabama can be about as enjoyable as getting a tooth pulled. The Crimson Tide allow just 91.3 rushing yards per game and have allowed just five running touchdowns all season long.
This means quarterback Nick Marshall needs to have a phenomenal game passing the ball if Auburn has any chance of scoring on Alabama's defense. He's been much more effective as a runner than a passer this year, though.
In 11 games, Marshall has eclipsed 300 passing yard just once and 200 yards just four times, and he's thrown no more than two touchdowns in a game—a feat he managed just three times this year. For the season, Marshall has passed for just 1,530 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
Apparently, he's not scaring Alabama's defense either. Linebacker Trey DePriest recently told reporters that Marshall was "a little bit better" than the Chattanooga quarterback, as noted by Duane Rankin of The Montgomery Advisor:
Marshall will need to have the best passing game of his college career if his team has any chance of pulling off the upset at home on Saturday.
Prediction
Barring an uncharacteristically sloppy performance from A.J. McCarron, Alabama should have no trouble rolling over Auburn this weekend.
There isn't a single weak link on Alabama's roster. Nick Saban's peerless recruiting has given him a wealth of riches at every position, and Auburn doesn't feature the same level of excellence from top to bottom.
The Tigers lost to LSU earlier in the season, and they'll drop another game this weekend. Alabama's well on its way to a three-peat as the BCS champ, and Auburn will be but one more stepping stone toward that lofty goal.
Final Score
Alabama wins 35-21.
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