Auburn vs. Alabama: Stat Predictions for Both Teams' Top Playmakers in Iron Bowl
Alabama and Auburn have combined for 18 wins this season due to a bevy of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. While both teams are built in different manners, each have been highly effective in their respective schemes this season.
The Tigers utilize a run-heavy offense featuring several talented ball-carriers and a dual-threat quarterback. They routinely succeed by putting up sufficient points to outscore opponents. The Crimson Tide runs more of a pro-style offense. They orchestrate methodical drives and control the game with strong possessions.
After watching both of these teams in action throughout the course of the season, it will certainly be intriguing to see how these clashing styles fare against each other. As we await the highly anticipated 2014 Iron Bowl, let's predict the final stat lines that some of the biggest playmakers from each squad will produce.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Alabama
Blake Sims, Quarterback
| 23/35 | 260 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 32 | 0 |
Expect Sims to pass a little more often that usual in the Iron Bowl. Head coach Nick Saban will want to take advantage of Auburn's 75th-ranked pass defense that has yielded 17 touchdowns and an average of 232.5 yards per game through the air.
The coach noted his quarterback's high level of confidence entering the game, via Tide 99.1:
Sims has been very efficient this season and has taken care of the football nicely, throwing just four interceptions. The Tigers aren't exactly known for takeaways, so Alabama's signal-caller is likely to keep his stat sheet clear of any blemishes.
T.J. Yeldon, Running Back
| 17 | 70 | 4.1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 0 |
Yeldon's had some strong performances this season, but they've been sporadic. While Auburn is ranked 35th in the nation against the run, they are only allowing an average of 3.87 yards per carry to opposing running backs. This junior ball-carrier shouldn't be expected to blow the doors off the Tigers defense.
Derrick Henry will also be in the mix for the Crimson Tide, and he'll help get Alabama over the 100-yard mark as a team. Although, unless Saban's team finds itself way out in front, expect Alabama to do most of its offensive damage through the air.
Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver
| 8 | 140 | 17.5 | 2 |
It may be asking a little too much of Auburn's secondary to keep up with the prolific Cooper. He's been one of the nation's best receivers all season long, accumulating 90 receptions for 1,349 yards and 11 touchdowns. He'll add a nice chunk to those numbers on Saturday.
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn noted now difficult it's been to prepare for the wideout during an interview with Joel A. Erickson of AL.com, "You can put a jersey on somebody who has the same number, but to simulate one of the best players in college football, that's probably not realistic."
While the Tigers may roll some coverage in Cooper's direction, they can't afford to leave anyone on an island against DeAndrew White. Cooper will get opportunities to make several big plays against Auburn, and he should be expected to take full advantage.
Auburn
Nick Marshall, Quarterback
| 14/23 | 215 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 77 | 1 |
Don't expect Marshall to put up any kind of gaudy numbers against the Alabama defense. The Crimson Tide know he's the Tigers' No. 1 playmaker and will be giving him plenty of attention. Marshall is talented enough to pull off a few big plays, but he'll have it tough.
Although, here's an interesting stat regarding last year's Iron Bowl, via ESPN's Cole Cubelic:
This year, when Alabama played Mississippi State, it limited Dak Prescott to 3.7 yards per carry. Conversely, when Marshall faced off against a solid Ole Miss run defense, he averaged 5.0 yards per rush. Expect this matchup to put the quarterback somewhere in between.
Cameron Artis-Payne, Running Back
| 22 | 80 | 3.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Artis-Payne will get his carries against Alabama, but he's facing a Crimson Tide team that is ranked second in the nation against the run, allowing an average of just 2.76 yards per carry. Making matters even worse for the ball-carrier, don't expect him to find paydirt, as Alabama has only given up two rushing touchdowns this season.
The senior ball-carrier has put up respectable numbers throughout the year, but he hasn't faced a run defense nearly as stingy as Alabama's. Unfortunately, his nice season won't end on a very high note.
D'haquille Williams, Wide Receiver
| 4 | 62 | 15.5 | 1 |
Williams is coming off a knee injury and missed the team's last two contests, but according to Ryan Cody of WHNT.com, he's expected to play Saturday. The 6'2" wide receiver will have his hands full with the talented, 27th-ranked Alabama secondary, but he'll be a significant presence on Auburn's offense.
The Alabama coach had some high praise for Williams and Co. prior to the game, via Tide 99.1:
With Sammie Coates and Quan Bray also in the mix, we should expect Marshall to spread the ball around. That will help Auburn's overall offensive efficiency, but it will restrict Williams' final output.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
