Auburn @ Alabama preview
Bryant-Denny Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 27, 2009 ) Alabama 26, Auburn 21
There hasn’t been a defense, nor an allegation, that has stopped Cam Newton and the Auburn football team. The Tigers’ fiercest rival will take their turn on Friday in the 75th Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa.
Regardless of records or rankings, the intense intrastate clash between Alabama and Auburn is The Game on the schedule for both teams. And this year, the stakes are even higher as both teams are ranked among the best in the country.
No. 2 Auburn (11-0, 7-0 SEC), which already has locked up the SEC West, has its eyes set on playing in the national championship game - and a loss virtually excludes that.
With a win, No. 11 Alabama (9-2, 5-2) still won’t have a chance to defend its national title, but would assure itself of a spot in one of the five BCS games.
Auburn hasn’t let the distractions of quarterback Newton’s father allegedly soliciting money from schools recruiting his son affect its play. After the claims surfaced, Auburn went out and pummeled Georgia 49-31.
The Tigers had a bye last week, giving Gene Chizik and the staff two weeks to prepare. Offensively, Auburn’s strategy won’t change much: put the ball in Newton’s hands and let him do his thing.
A lock to win the Heisman Trophy if not for the ongoing scandal, Newton directs an offense that averages 505 yards a game (sixth in the country) and 307.9 yards rushing (No. 3). Newton two weeks ago quieted critics by shredding the Bulldogs as much through the air as with his legs.
Newton, who completes 68.2 percent of his passes, has thrown for more than 2,000 yards with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s added 1,297 yards rushing and 17 more touchdowns on the ground.
The Tide have hit a few bumps this season, but they haven’t lost at Bryant-Denny Stadium (6-0), and in their last meeting there two years ago, Alabama thumped Auburn 36-0, the most lopsided win in the series in 46 years.
Alabama’s defense has been championship-worthy, ranking No. 3 nationally by allowing just 12.8 points per game. Only South Carolina and LSU (both losses) have scored more than 20 points against the Tide, which makes for an interesting battle because Auburn scores 42.8 a game – fifth best in the country.
The Crimson Tide are led by senior quarterback Greg McElroy and reigning Heisman winner Mark Ingram. McElroy has 2,390 yards passing and 17 touchdowns. Ingram has 780 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ingram, who rushed for 1,658 yards last season, has only two 100-yard games, the last coming in September in Week 4 against Arkansas.
Last season, Auburn limited Alabama to 73 yards rushing on 35 carries in a 26-21 loss. The return of Trent Richardson, who has missed the last two weeks, should boost Alabama’s run game.
Auburn will be without defensive linemen Mike Blanc and Michael Goggans for the first half due to both players throwing a punch in the Georgia game.
Alabama nose tackle Kerry Murphy is questionable (knee).