Auburn Football 2011: 11 Reasons Why the Tigers Will Beat Alabama

The Iron Bowl is the most passion filled rivalry in all of college football.

If there was ever a doubt that the Tigers and Tide had a passionate rivalry, Harvey Updyke eliminated it in January. This game brings numerous feelings for people across the state and has the power to separate families.

This season will be no different as the Tigers are coming off of their National Championship run and Alabama had their own just one year prior. Both of these teams produced back-to-back Heisman winners. This year will be the battle that could change the course of the season for both teams.

Alabama is a favorite by many to win the conference and also have a shot at the national title again this season. Before the Tide is able to make it to championship week, however, they must pass through Jordan-Hare Stadium.

This season is likely to be like most others for both teams, full of ups and downs but successful, nonetheless. A few key components of the coming season will likely lead to a very good football game to end the season.

There are 11 different reasons that Auburn will win the Iron Bowl in 2011, so let’s take at how the Tigers will earn that victory.

Jordan-Hare Stadium

Jordan-Hare has become one of the loudest crowds in college football. On top of the already rowdy crowd that fills Auburn home games, this Iron Bowl will see some added intensity.

Not only will this be the first Iron Bowl following Auburn’s championship season, but it will also be the first Iron Bowl since the Toomer’s tree poisoning, so expect some vivaciousness from the stands.

This being an away game in a very hostile environment already tips some of the advantage to the Tigers. Keeping the crowd in the game early will be a must and will help to provide an edge to Auburn. Alabama has a losing record in Jordan-Hare as well, so history is on the Tigers' side.

The Jungle will be rocking in late November, make no mistake, and it might just be enough to give the Tigers an edge.

2009 Rewind

In 2009, Auburn walked into the Iron Bowl as the heavy underdog. Nobody picked Auburn to win the game, much less lead well into the fourth quarter. Auburn caught Alabama by surprise in a lot of ways in ’09, and I would expect the same to be repeated in 2011.

Yes, Alabama will be prepared to win the game and will travel well. Auburn will be ready as well. The difference is going to be the execution of plays on every down that will separate the Tigers from the Tide. Malzahn will play 'Bama well and will be able to get his guys in better position.

This game will have a similar tone to 2009. Alabama will have a stout defense that is focused around the playmaking ability of its defensive backfield and linebackers. Auburn will use its speed from the skill positions to get the 'Bama defenders out of position and out in space.

Alabama will have big-bodied linebackers that have range, but if they are found in space or out of position, the Auburn skill guys will be gone.

Young Quarterback on the Largest Stage

No matter what quarterback gets the starting nod this season for Alabama, he will in no way be ready for the first Iron Bowl.

When seniors start this game for the first time, things change. There will be a crowd of predominately hostile fans ready to bust their eardrums. There will be a rough and speedy defense ready to rock his socks.

Oh, and it’s the Iron Bowl.

Guys grow up in this state wanting to play for the Tide or the Tigers. If McCarron gets the starting nod this season, he will be one of those guys fulfilling that dream. Even though his whole life has prepared him mentally for this game, nothing can prepare him for this battle on this stage.

Auburn will be using a new quarterback of their own in this game, so it won’t be the easiest of transitions. The home game will undoubtedly help the new Tigers quarterback, not hurt him.

History of Stopping the Run

In 2009, the year of Mark Ingram’s Heisman, Ingram rushed for 30 yards and Trent Richardson rushed for 51. In 2010, the Tide’s duo was held to 60 rushing yards. Twenty-four of those yards came from Richardson, while 36 came from Ingram.

Those are not stellar stats for two of the premier backs in college football. Auburn was strong on the front four years ago, but in 2009, the interior line was supposed to be a weakness for the Tigers.

This year is supposed to be another strong rushing attack for the Tide, but Auburn is likely to earn the upper hand again this year with its supposed weak front four.

Alabama will not run all over Auburn in 2011. The Tigers defense will develop quite formidably over the coming season and will be stout by the time the Tide arrives.

Big Plays

In 2009, two big plays put Auburn ahead early in the game and pushed the momentum in their favor. Last season there were numerous big plays that happened that continued to keep Auburn in the game. The Tigers are poised to create big plays again this season.

With heavy hitters from the safety position and speedy playmakers on offense, Auburn will create plays in every game. Limiting Auburn to how many they get in each game is what saves a team from a loss. Alabama does not have the explosive offense that fuels the big plays quite as often, but their defense will have a fair share of their own.

Whichever team fuels the biggest plays will get this win. Auburn is poised offensively, but can the Tide stop them?

Revenge of the Trees

The Toomer’s Oaks will seek revenge this coming season.

This would have been a much better scenario for Alabama if the Iron Bowl following the destruction of Auburn tradition were to occur in Tuscaloosa. Even in Legion Field, it would be a better scenario.

There is sure to be some livid Auburn folks in the stands. To further the point that was made in the first slide—the stadium will be rocking. On top of that, outside the stadium will be rocking. These players should be fired up about the possible loss of a tradition.

No, neither the players nor anyone affiliated with the Alabama program poisoned the trees, but a fan did. If anyone believes it didn’t fuel this rivalry more, they are living in the Dakota’s.

Overconfident Tide

Alabama is one of the favorites to win the SEC and attend the BCS title game in New Orleans in January. The SEC title game is likely to be won by the Tide. The national title is likely to shift conferences this season, unfortunately.

Alabama will be traveling to Auburn with the intent to walk in and walk out with a victory. Yes they will have the memory of the 24-point deficit loss that occurred last year, but how many players or 'Bama people really think that will happen again? How many people that sport the crimson A really think Auburn has a chance in 2011?

None.

Alabama will have to fight the belief that a win is due to them, especially after the loss a season ago.

November Tough Stretch for Tide

Looking at the Crimson Tide’s schedule for 2011, it is extremely favorable for Alabama. The most difficult tests come in November. Starting by hosting LSU, they go away to Mississippi State, have a home game against Georgia Southern, and then they're off to Auburn.

Three major SEC games—two of them being tough road tests— will not be easy for the Tide to overcome. I do believe that the Tide will win two of the three, but Auburn pulls the rug out at the end of the season.

Alabama will do well with a  tough finish to the season, but Auburn will be waiting and poised for victory.

Receiver Questions at Bama

Alabama needs a big playmaker to step up this season on the perimeter. A young quarterback can only hand the ball off so many times before opposing defenses begin to stack the box and force the quarterback to make decisions.

A solid receiver that can always be a go-to guy and a leaning post for a young quarterback is a must. With the departure of Julio Jones, however, there isn’t a proven go-to guy for the new starter to focus on. Marquis Maze is a returning starter that has potential and speed but has to show more reliability down the stretch of 2011.

Bama will need to find playmakers that can stretch the defense and play well against Auburn’s talented and speedy defensive secondary. This one position could be the tipping point for the Tide’s success offensively in the Iron Bowl in 2011.

Season Defining Game for the Tigers

The Tigers faced numerous quality opponents last season on their march to the national title. The majority of those were home contests, however. This season brings one of the most difficult schedules the Tigers have faced in years.

The month of October is especially brutal with three away games and two home games all against SEC opponents. This will not be a repeat year for the Tigers to make it to the BCS title game.

It will be a better season than most expect, however. This game will be the season defining game for the Tigers for a number of reasons, but most importantly, it would be a crushing defeat to the Tide and an explosive win for the Tigers.

Think if the Tide would have pulled off the upset last season against the Tigers at home. Imagine what would have happened in 2009 if the Tigers would have done the same.

This season will be the year.

The Tigers will look to this game by the end of October, and the Tigers will be ready and waiting on the Tide.

Skill Player Matchups

Auburn has recruited a number of extremely talented athletes in the past two recruiting seasons. A lot of those talented recruits were offensive skill players. With Trovon Reed making his way into the mix and playmakers like Onterio McCalebb already established, the Tide will have their hands full in November.

Alabama has struggled in the Saban years at times with a speedy rushing-based spread attack. Auburn has given his defenses fits in the past two seasons, and losses to Florida and Utah in his second year showed some deficiencies in the scheme.

Bama will have one of the best defenses in the country next season, and it will be led by their talented linebackers Courtney Upshaw and Donta’ Hightower. Those guys can play and are big and hit well. Their lateral quickness is nowhere on par with the skill slot players that Auburn will throw out in this game, however.

Sure the Tide will adjust and run some nickel packages, but their core defense and staple is staying in the 3-4 model. Auburn will make plays in space and maintain the upper hand with their speed and athleticism throughout the contest.