SEC + BCS Championship Implications On The Line For Alabama vs. Auburn 2013 Iron Bowl

The stakes have never been higher for the Iron Bowl. It’s already arguably the biggest rivalry in college football, but when Alabama and Auburn are in the top-five with the winner capturing the SEC West and going to the SEC Championship, it’s on another level. This is the first time in the history of the rivalry that the SEC West title is on the line where the winner would advance to Atlanta.

Obviously at the start of the season most predicted Alabama to be here at this point. The Crimson Tide are undefeated and the No.1 team in the country.

But Auburn? No way.

The Tigers were thought to improve this season, but not go 10-1 through 11 games and ranked No.4 in the country with a shot to take down Alabama and get to the SEC Championship game. But that is exactly where they are, and they welcome the Crimson Tide to Jordan-Hare this Saturday at 3:30 pm ET on CBS.

Alabama anchors the No.1 scoring defense in the country, giving up less than 10 points per game. But this will be the best rushing offense that the Crimson Tide have seen all season. They will get a heavy dose of the run game and smash mouth football. Though quarterback Nick Marshall has opened up the passing game in recent weeks. It will be very interesting to see what head coach Gus Malzahn has in store for the play calling.

We can pretty much predict what to expect from Alabama. They like to run the ball as well, and wear defenses down. Auburn’s defense has given up both points and yards this season, so it will be up to them to play their best game of the season.

If the Tigers are to have a chance in this one, they will have to win the turnover battle. That translates most often to a battle of field position as well. If Auburn is able to win the battle of field position by 10 yards or more, this could be a close game. The betting line is set at 10 points, but if those two aspects of the game go in Auburn’s favor, Alabama is not immune from losing.