The annual Iron Bowl will once again have heavy postseason implications at stake when No. 1 Alabama hosts No. 15 Auburn. The Crimson Tide, as was the case last year, can keep their title hopes alive with a win in this game. They’ll also be looking for revenge against the Tigers, who defeated Alabama last year and went on to play in the title game.
How to watch Auburn vs. Alabama Iron Bowl: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
A spot in the College Football Playoff is on the line for Alabama, while Auburn is looking to play the role of spoiler.
The winner of the Iron Bowl has won four of the last five BCS championships. Both were in contention going into the 2013 game, won by Auburn on Chris Davis’ 109-yard return of a missed field goal on the final play.
However, those Tigers won’t get that shot this year. With three losses already, the last being a 34-7 blowout at Georgia, they can only play spoiler. But if nothing else, getting to spoil their biggest rival’s title hopes would feel good as well.
This will be clash of an Auburn team that loves running the ball going against a stout Alabama run defense. Auburn features the nation’s No. 9 rushing offense, while Bama holds the SEC’s top and country’s No. 2 rushing defense.
Last year, Auburn gashed the Crimson Tide for 296 yards on 52 carries, a season high in both categories against Alabama. Quarterback Nick Marshall is a master of head coach Gus Malzahn’s rushing offense, and he’s been one of the few coaches to devise a way to gain big yards on the ground against Alabama. In last year’s won over Bama, Marshall ran for 99 yards and a score while throwing for two more.
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How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 7:45 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Online streaming: Watch ESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: Alabama is 10-1 and 6-1 in SEC play. The Crimson Tide are No. 1 in the latest College Football Playoff Poll, as well as the coaches poll, but No. 2 in the AP poll.
Auburn is 8-3 and 4-3 in SEC play. They’re No. 15 in the latest CFP and AP poll while being No. 16 in the coaches poll.
Vegas: Bama is an 8.5-point home favorite with an over/under of 53.5, per Odds Shark.
Weather forecast: 70° and clear with a 10% chance of rain.
Two things at stake
Alabama cannot grab a playoff berth without winning this game.
Auburn could salvage a disappointing end to the season with a victory.
One big matchup
Cameron Artis-Payne vs. the Alabama defense: Auburn's star running back leads the SEC in rushing as he's gained 1,405 yards to go with 11 touchdowns. He'll be going against Alabama's No. 2 ranked run defense nationally, as they've rarely surrendered big gains on the ground. CAP will have to earn every yard he gets against this defense.
Further reading
Read Roll Bama Roll for more on Alabama. For more on Auburn, head over to College and Magnolia.
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