Alabama vs. Auburn: Why Tigers RB Michael Dyer Is the Key Player in This Game

When the 10-1 (6-1 SEC) No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide travel to the 7-4 (4-3 SEC) No. 24 Auburn Tigers, a lot will be at stake, not only in-state, but on the national stage as well. The Tide is looking to roll to their second national title appearance in three seasons, while the Tigers are attempting to play spoiler.

There are various playmakers that will be on the field and will be focal points for the opposing team on Saturday, but one player in particular will be a very important cog for the success of his team. Michael Dyer will be the key to this year’s Iron Bowl.

Yes, Trent Richardson is a Heisman-contending back this season, and his success will undoubtedly help the Tide earn a victory, but the Tide defense has shown its ability to win ballgames for Alabama. Dyer is all the Tigers have.

Alabama will bring the No. 1-rated defense in the country to Jordan-Hare Stadium this coming Saturday with the intent to stop Auburn’s most consistent offensive threat. Last year the Tide keyed on Cam Newton and his zone-read option, this season it will be Michael Dyer on the Tiger Sweep play and draws up the middle.

Dyer has been a spark for the Auburn offense consistently, and has rushed for 100 yards in six of Auburn’s 11 games. He is averaging 5.2 yards a carry and has 10 touchdown runs on the season. Take away Dyer’s production from the Auburn offense, and the Tigers will look to struggle to make plays and move the football.

The Tigers have been completely inept at protecting the passer against elite talent this season, so the thought that Auburn could ignore the Tide’s attempt at stopping Dyer and rely on the passing game is a misguided one. The Tigers have to run the football, because it is all they have right now.

Dyer will also be vital because his runs are able to churn yards while ticking down the clock. The Tigers will need to have ball control in this game. If the Tigers push three-and-out all day with the occasional big play, they will lose. The 21-point spread will be met if the Tigers can’t establish the run.

Malzahn will need to find ways to get Dyer in space with room to run. If Dyer can find that space, he is hard to catch. What happened last week against Samford may be replicated this week. The Tigers faced additional injuries on the offensive line, and began to use multiple formations that haven’t been seen on the Plains in over three years.

Auburn’s key to success will be their ability to open holes and control the downhill running game. If Dyer is given the chance, he can be a major game-changer for the Tigers against the Tide. The Tide knows that Auburn’s strategy will be to utilize their playmaker, and will focus on eliminating Dyer’s effectiveness.

If Dyer has a good game, the Tigers will be in the game and will have a shot at a win. If Dyer is rendered ineffective, the Tide will likely roll to their 11^th victory of the season with ease.