2010 Alabama Vs Auburn: Much At Stake In Iron Bowl 75

This year's Iron Bowl features the defending National Champions (whoops Coach Saban told us not to use that term. I am truly sorry coach and wish to remain part of the Saban Nation) and the greatest player in college football history.

Cameron Newton, major scandal or web of mis-truths put aside, is the greatest player I have ever seen. No one comes close to War Cam Eagle. Auburn fans are lucky to have such a special player representing their school.

Auburn comes in undefeated. Alabama has two tough conference road losses. This is the first Iron Bowl since 1994 to match AP Top 10 teams. Friday's game is special. One of the most anticipated games in the greatest rivalry in college football. Enough of my rambling, I'll breakdown the game from my point of view.

First we'll look at Auburn's weakness: pass defense. The Tigers are terrible in the secondary. Auburn ranks 98th out of 120 teams in pass defense. The good thing there is that Alabama does not throw the ball down the field much, however, the Tide will take advantage of the short to mid-range passing game.

Alabama has great weapons at the receiver position. Julio Jones is one of the most physically gifted wideouts in the country, and Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks are good speed threats. Maze works well on the outside and Hanks is great in the slot.

With an exceptional decision maker like Greg McElroy at quarterback, Alabama should be able to make plays through the air, but I believe they need to step out of their comfort zone if they want to win this game. Alabama must go vertical if they want to outscore Auburn.

Moving on, Auburn's strong point is rushing offense, where the Tigers rank third in the country. Cam Newton is the most dangerous rushing quarterback ever. Throw in a great freshman power back in Mike Dyer who also has great speed, and an outstanding speed guy in Onterio McCaleb, and you have an unstoppable three-headed monster.

Alabama's rush defense is  no slouch though, coming in at 22nd in the country. This is the most vital matchup in the game. Can Alabama stop Auburn's running game? Nick Saban may be the best schemer in the country, but do not count on anyone shutting down Auburn's offense. 

In Alabama's losses, the Crimson Tide pass defense has struggled. They can not afford to make the same mental errors they've made this season, against Auburn. There is no room for mistakes like that against a great offense.

I do think the pass defense has one major thing going for it. The majority of mistakes they have made have been on the road. Things seem to be different for Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium (no not Bryant-Denny-Tubberville as some Auburn fans may refer to it.  Wait, wasn't that where Tubberville had the nail driven into his coffin?).

The last three seasons Alabama is 20-0 at home and have only allowed 7.6 points-per-game. Away from BDS in that span, Alabama is 15-4 and allow 18.6 ppg. There is a major difference there. The one thing that makes me think Alabama has a chance is that the game is in BDS. I am not buying into Cam Newton magically being stopped and all being right in Bamaland. 

Another major problem for Alabama is Auburn's defensive front. The Tigers are 11th in the NCAA in rush defense, and Alabama's offensive line is not what it used to be. Nick Fairly may also make Friday a long day for Greg McElroy. 

Alabama may be the favorite and both the media and public's pick, but I am going with Auburn. I think the Tigers will be too much for Alabama in the end. Do not expect the Tide to go down without a fight though.

Prediction : No. 2 Auburn 38, No. 9 Alabama 28