Alabama vs. Auburn 2011: Tigers' Massive Flaws Will Be Exposed in Iron Bowl

Auburn's enormous flaws are going to get them destroyed in the Iron Bowl.

These are flaws Auburn has been able to mask with a couple of big comebacks and victories over inferior teams. 

That has led Auburn to a decent 7-4 record, which has them ranked No. 24. However, this team is not as good as that ranking suggests.

This game isn't going to be close, and it will force Auburn to face the weaknesses of their team.

Anemic Offense

Auburn is 78th in the nation in points scored per game, and this offense has gotten worse as the season has gone on.

The Tigers scored 42, 41, 24 and 30 points in their first four games of the season. In their seven games since, they have topped 17 just two times. That was in a 41 point effort against an Ole Miss team that is 98th in points allowed per game, and a 35 point effort over a lightly regarded Samford team.

The Tigers rely on their ground game to move the ball. They are 36th in rushing yards and 106th in passing yards. That is not a recipe for success against Alabama.

Alabama has allowed just 821 yards at 2.5 yards per carry this season.

That means little success for the Tigers on the ground in this one, and that will lead to an embarrassingly small amount of production for the offense.

Prediction: 185 total yards and six points

Horrible Rush Defense

Auburn's rush defense has been getting gashed. They have allowed 2,124 yards rushing at 5.6 yards per carry on this season. They have also allowed 17 rushing touchdowns.

Anyone who hasn't noticed how bad this rush defense is will not be able to avoid that observation in this game.

Trent Richardson is going to destroy them. Richardson has gone over 100 yards in all but three games this season on his way to totaling 1380 yards at 5.8 yards per carry.

Ball Security

Auburn has fumbled 13 times and lost seven of them. They have been intercepted 12 times. That is 19 turnovers in 11 games, and that is not good.

It is hard for any team to overcome an almost two turnover a game average. It is especially difficult when the team has as big an issue stopping the run as Auburn has.

The Tigers turnovers issues will be front and center in this game. Alabama's defense is adept at taking the ball from their opponent. They have 11 interceptions and forced 13 fumbles this season. 

Score Prediction: Alabama 31, Auburn 6 

Alabama is going to control this game on the ground. Trent Richardson is going to have a field day, and the Tide's defense will dominate their bitter rivals.