Iron Bowl 2011: Auburn's Keys to BCS-Busting Upset

Auburn will beat its bitter rival Alabama in the Iron Bowl if it can execute the following game plan.

This would be one of the most notable upsets of the season and it would turn the BCS on its ear.

Stop the Run

Auburn must stop the run. It needs to be priority No. 1 and this is not an area the Tigers have had a lot of success in. They have allowed 2,124 rushing yards at 4.6 yards per carry on the season.

That is bad news as they go against an Alabama running game, led by Trent Richardson, that is averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

Auburn is going to have to commit extra men to the box. The Tigers need to send the message that if Alabama is going to beat them, they will have to beat them by passing the ball.

As you'll see, this sets up the next two keys as it will allow the Tigers to control time of possession and force Alabama into passing downs.

Get Michael Dyer Going

Auburn is 4-0 in games where Michael Dyer has at least 22 carries. The Tigers are 3-4 when he has 21 or less. The messages is clear: They need to get Dyer the ball early and often.

That will be easier said than done in this game. Alabama's rush defense is amazing where it is allowing just 2.5 yards per carry this season.

However, Auburn can't let a few stuffed runs dissuade them from using Dyer.

The Tigers need to get creative getting him the ball to try and find him some space. They can swing him out wide for bubble screens or use screens and draws coming out of the backfield.

Those plays will not just help get Dyer some space, but it will cause Alabama's big defensive linemen to run. This should make it easier for Dyer to run in the second half.

Turnovers

The Tigers have to win the turnover battle in this game. That will help them get great field position and win time of possession battles.  

This is not going to be easy. Alabama has just 11 turnovers on the season, but eight of those 11 have come on interceptions.

Auburn has done a decent job of pulling in opponents' passes with 10 on the year.

Auburn needs to focus on getting Alabama into passing situations, and then forcing bad decisions with blitzes or different looks with zone defenses. The Tigers then must pick off every pass they can get their hands on.  

Conclusion

Auburn needs to get out to an early lead. It must put itself in a position to dictate the action against Alabama and not the other way around.

The Tigers must spread out and run the ball on Alabama in the first half, and use ball control to grind out the clock in the second half against a winded defense.