This Saturday will mark the 81st meeting of the Iron Bowl, perhaps the greatest rivalry in college football. That depends on who you ask, of course, but it’s hard to dispute the importance of this game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 13 Auburn. And yet for all the cultural importance this game has in SEC country, this game actually has little in the way of real consequences.
Iron Bowl 2016, Auburn vs. Alabama: Start time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Alabama’s biggest rivals stand between them and 12-0.
RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama has already clinched the SEC West, and a loss here almost certainly wouldn't knock them out of the Playoff. It would set the stage for Alabama needing to win the SEC Championship Game to get into the Playoff, but Auburn can't completely scuttle the Tide's title chances on Saturday.
This game would've had real stakes had Auburn not lost in mystifying fashion to Georgia two weeks ago, 13-7. Both Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson have been dealing with injuries, and Pettway's status for the game is still up in the air. If he can play, it would be a huge boost to Auburn's chances.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 3:30 pm. ET, CBS
Online streaming: CBSSports.com
Spread: Alabama is favored by 17 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at College and Magnolia for Auburn fans and Roll Bama Roll for Alabama fans.
Three big things to know
1. This is Auburn’s big chance to spoil Alabama’s shot at a perfect season. The Tide have only gone undefeated once in their recent run of championships under Nick Saban, and the normal mid-season loss that snaps Alabama into overdrive hasn’t come this year. A loss here probably wouldn’t keep Alabama out of the Playoff, but it would be a way for Auburn to stick it in their eye.
2. Advanced stats don’t seem to think this is as big a mismatch as most people. Auburn is the No. 9 team in the country according to S&P+, and have an offense predicated on efficiency. Alabama’s one weakness has been giving up big plays on defense, and if Auburn can run enough plays, it becomes a math problem to give themselves enough opportunities for big plays. It won’t be easy, but it’s their best shot.
3. If people are cooling on Lamar Jackson for Heisman after Louisville's loss to Houston, this might be the year you see an offbeat Heisman contender. Jonathan Allen has been an absolute monster for Alabama, so if he can put together another wow play or two in this game, he might start getting into the conversation. Probably not, but maybe.
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