BCS Rankings: Auburn Won't Keep Alabama from Meeting LSU in BCS Title Game

There's been a lot of debate whether a second showdown between No. 2 Alabama and No. 1 LSU would be good for college football.

After all, a 9-6 barn burner complete with four missed field goals doesn't exactly appeal to the entire nation.

But it's now inevitable after the previous No. 2, Oklahoma State, lost to Iowa State, followed by upsets of Oregon and Oklahoma.

Alabama (10-1, 6-1 SEC) enters Saturday's game against No. 24 Auburn with a lot on the line. One loss likely swings them back out of the title game, while a victory could catapult them to their second title game appearance in three years.

The Auburn-Alabama rivalry is well-documented, and there's no doubt both teams bring it each time they face off.

Last season, Auburn defeated Alabama, 28-27, as Cam Newton brought the Tigers back from a 24-0 deficit en route to a BCS championship.

But replace Newton with sophomore Clint Moseley and, well, that's all you really have to know.

Moseley didn't exactly steal the job from former starter Barrett Trotter this season. Trotter was simply too ineffective and inefficient—completing 54 percent of his passes—to propel Auburn.

But it's not like Moseley is much better. The Tigers have gone 2-2 since he took over as starter, and you only have to look at their 45-10 thumping at the hands of LSU or the 45-7 embarrassment to then-No. 15 Georgia to realize it's not going to be pretty come Sunday, heated rivalry or not.

On top of that, the Tigers' biggest offensive weapon, running back Michael Dyer, is likely not going to have a big impact this time around, given the Crimson Tide are giving up just 2.5 yards per carry this season, ranking second in college football.

The team giving up the fewest yards per carry this season?

Florida.

Dyer rushed 23 times for 73 yards against Florida on Oct. 15.

Barring a miracle, Alabama fans are going to have a lot to gloat about after the 76th Iron Bowl.

Expect the Crimson Tide to improve their Iron Bowl mark to 41-34-1 and move onto the BCS National Championship Game.