The 2023 edition of the annual in-state rivalry game between Alabama and Auburn will take place on Saturday in the Iron Bowl. The Crimson Tide (11-0) are looking to remain unbeaten in SEC play as they enter the SEC Championship Game with a chance to make the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Alabama has one non conference loss to 1-loss Texas on its resume, so it is imperative that the Tide defeats Auburn (6-5) in the Iron Bowl in order to earn some style points for the selection committee.The Tigers are coming off one of their most embarrassing defeats in the modern era, falling at home 31-10 to New Mexico State last weekend.
Coach Hugh Freeze’s first season on the Plains has been a rollercoaster ride, and an upset over the in-state rival of the Crimson Tide would be a nice way to end on a high note for a disappointed fan base. Auburn’s record is 6-5, and the loss to New Mexico State will likely send them to a lower tier bowl.
Auburn vs. Alabama live
Date: Saturday, Nov. 25 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium — Auburn, Alabama
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com,
Auburn at Alabama: What you need to know
It’s been an exciting ride for Jalen Milroe in his first full season as the starting quarterback. Since he was benched in the third week of the season against South Florida, the 6-foot-3, 230-pounder has steadily grown into one of college football’s top signal callers. He’s only thrown three interceptions since October, and he’s accounted for 13 total touchdowns since the beginning of November. He ranks second in the country at 10.6 yards per attempt—behind only LSU’s Jayden Daniels—and he’s tied for the conference lead with 12 rushing touchdowns. “I think he’s been really good at picking and choosing when to come out of the pocket, running when he has a chance to run, and when he doesn’t,” Saban said Monday. “But I think what he’s really improved is his ability to keep an eye on the ball and make plays when the pocket collapses. I think when we’ve had perimeter plays with reads on his side, he’s made those plays. Both of those things have helped us as an offense in terms of the defense.”
prediction
Jordan-Hare Stadium has a history of producing wild outcomes, including the “Kick Six” against the Crimson Tide 10 years ago. However, Auburn was unable to find that magic against the Aggies last week, and it won’t find it against the Crimson Tide this week. Alabama’s stingy defense will suffocate Auburn’s rushing attack, stack the box in the Tigers’ backfield, and force Auburn quarterback Jake Thorne into multiple critical mistakes. Even if the game is close in the first quarter, Alabama will turn it around in the second half for an easy cover.
