PRESS PICKS: Panel goes all in on Bama to beat Auburn
Bryce Young led Alabama to a come-from-behind victory over Auburn in 2021. Can he lead the Tide to another victory this season? Local media give their thoughts. (Unv. Alabama Media Relations)
STAFF REPORT
The annual battle between Alabama and Auburn has its usual sidebars.
This time, it’s Auburn and new coach Carnell Williams, who has brought his enthusiasm to the program that was all but dead after the firing of coach Bryan Harsin a few weeks ago.
Alabama opened the season as the No. 1 team in the country but enters the Iron Bowl needing a miracle to get into the playoffs.
The game itself looks like a mismatch but Auburn has shown new life of late while Alabama has been inconsistent, yet still winning nine games.
The Crimson Tide is the favorite according to oddsmakers, somewhere in the neighborhood of three touchdowns.
As is customary, we asked the members of the local media to give a brief idea of what they expect in Saturday’s game, scheduled for 230 p.m. on CBS (Score 94 & Hit 106 FM).
Doug Amos (ESPN The Ticket - 107.5 FM)
The energy Carnell Williams has brought to the Auburn program has been incredible, and it’s created as positive a vibe as we’ve seen in the past two years. While this Alabama team still seems to not be running on all cylinders, this just isn’t a good matchup for the Tigers. Competitive early, not so much late.
Alabama 31, Auburn 13
Mike Peacock (River Region Sports)
Auburn is a different team under Cadillac Williams, there is no doubt about it. They are playing with heart and with tenacity. Alabama is not the Alabama of the past few seasons, but they are still Alabama and Bryce Young is still Bryce Young. Alabama is beatable. That said, Auburn just doesn’t have enough ammo to bring down a big ole elephant.
Alabama 31, Auburn 17.
Michael Butler (WTLS Radio)
Alabama has not lost to Auburn in Tuscaloosa since the “Camback” in 2010. Expectations are for that streak to continue. The Tide has the better team, but they have struggled some this season. Five games have been within one score. Auburn will be inspired regardless of their record. It is the Iron Bowl! Plus, Cadillac has brought new life to a season that was buried weeks ago. Still, Bama has the X-factor in Bryce Young. He will be the best player on the field and will find a way – even if it’s closer that some might anticipate.
Alabama 27, Auburn 16
Rosie Langello (WSFA Sports)
My first Iron Bowl prediction: I'll go with Alabama. The Crimson Tide is stronger on offense with more playmakers but Auburn's defense has been opening eyes as of late. Cadillac Williams has brought out a different team. It’s been fun to watch.
Alabama 27, Auburn 13
Rick Hendrick (WFXS 95.1 The Fox)
Alabama and Auburn will be a lot closer than most imagine. Auburn will have a lot of emotion but that will only take them so far. Alabama has superior talent and should win but it will be close.
Alabama 21, Auburn 17
Tim Gayle (River Region Sports/Montgomery Independent)
Both teams will trade field goals most of the afternoon because of Alabama’s inability to come up with a big play on either side of the ball. Alabama will never be in danger of losing but Crimson Tide fans will be uncomfortable for far too long. The Tide won’t have the game comfortably in hand until the final minutes.
Alabama 27, Auburn 16
Mike Tankersley (River Region Sports/WTLS)
Alabama has a better team in all aspects, Auburn is playing with a lot of emotion and that goes a long way in this game but that would probably go away with a couple of Alabama scores. This Bama defense has been pretty good and it might work against the Auburn quarterback (Robby Ashford) if he can’t find a few ways to answer Bama’s speed on the edge. On one hand I think Auburn plays close but I can’t see it lasting an entire game.
Alabama 31, Auburn 7
Graham Dunn (River Region Sports)
I expect Auburn to play with reckless abandon this weekend but they don’t have enough horses to stop Bryce Young. Yes, I know what happened last year but this is not in Auburn. For whatever reason, the home field advantage doesn’t travel for the Tigers to Tuscaloosa. Since AU’s last win at Bama (2010), the average margin of victory for the home team is 26 points - when the home team is Alabama. They have covered the spread 5 of 6 times at home. It’s Senior Day and (possibly) the last time we see Will Anderson, Jr. and Young in crimson and white. It’s close at the half, but Alabama pulls away in the second.
Alabama 35, Auburn 14