Alabama vs. Auburn: Can the Tigers Rattle Tide QB A.J. McCarron?

While sophomore quarterback A.J. McCarron nearly made it through the 2011 season unscathed, a completely new animal is on the horizon as the young Crimson Tide signal caller makes his first appearance in the Iron Bowl.

Even though Alabama has been nearly bulletproof this season on both offensive and defensive sides of the ball, the one area that Auburn could possibly exploit in today’s game is directly connected to McCarron—the No. 73 passing game in the nation.

McCarron has completed 178 of his 271 passing attempts while throwing for 2,216 yards, 13 touchdowns and five picks in his first season as starter in 2011.

If Auburn wants to pull off one of the biggest upsets this season, the Tigers will need to pressure McCarron in order to knock the Crimson Tide out of sync.

But McCarron isn’t as dangerous as his predecessor Greg McElroy; the young quarterback hasn’t really been tested yet.  The Tigers need to find a way to shut down the running game and keep Trent Richardson in check today.

McCarron has avoided mistakes after throwing two interceptions in the season opener.  He's thrown only one interception in three of his last four games, and if Auburn can force a pick or two today, it might be the opening the Tigers need.

Can the Auburn defense pressure McCarron today?  Of course, it can.  Can the Auburn defense stop the rest of the Crimson Tide offense?  We shall see.