Alabama vs Auburn: Alabama's Certain Win Won't Tarnish Majesty of Iron Bowl

The 2011 Iron Bowl features the worst-kept secret in sports. Yet, it won't do anything to detour fans from flocking to watch it, nor should it. 

For those not claiming Auburn as their own, Alabama is seen as the guaranteed winner in Saturday's epic showdown. When you consider the talent and maturity that the Crimson Tide has shown this season, it's hard not to consider them a shoo-in to beat their bitter rivals. 

This would be a good enough reason to cross any game off your list of weekend TV events. As certain as I am of the outcome, I'm as confident that none of us will ignore the Iron Bowl. 

The majesty and pageantry that is the best rivalry in college football is a must-see event no matter what form either team is in. 

Consider that Auburn has been playing out of their minds all season. So what's one more shock for college fans? I am not about to sit here and say they will give us all an amazing upset to enjoy, merely that this game ill far closer than we all think. 

Nick Saban knows exactly the danger of a game of this magnitude with a team that invokes such emotion on the other side of the field. He told reporters recently: 

"

It's about how we play in the games, how we prepare, how we get ready to play and us going and playing our best football. That's what we control. That's what we need to do. None of that other stuff really matters. It really doesn't matter, because if you don't do that ... what happens? You don't have the opportunity.

"

That is exactly right. The minute that you let the moment get to you, the opportunity you were fighting for leaves altogether. 

This game will feature one of the best defenses that we have ever seen in Alabama's. I also think Auburn will have an uphill battle contending with Trent Richardson. 

However, this game has potential pratfalls written all over it. Jordan-Hare Stadium will be rocking, and Auburn will be playing like there is no tomorrow. That is enough to make this game special, even if we already know the outcome. 

The manner in which the game is played, along with the proximity that Auburn will be to an upset, will still make this one of the most captivating games of the season.