3 Reasons Auburn Could Ruin Alabama's College Football Playoff Dream in Iron Bowl
By Mark Powell
While Alabama currently sits at No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings, in-state rival Auburn has a chance to play spoiler. The Tigers are themselves ranked No. 15 in the country, and have played one of the toughest schedules in college football, including losses to Georgia and LSU. Gus Malzahn and Co. are in prime position to ruin Alabama's playoff chances, and most of America will be cheering for War Eagle on Saturday.
3. Mac Jones Inexperience
Mac Jones played well in his Iron Bowl tune-up against WCU, but Auburn's defense will pose a far greater challenge, especially on the road. Against Georgia, Florida and LSU, Auburn's defense didn't give up more than 24 points. Expect that trend against ranked teams to continue.
2. Emergence of Bo Nix
Though he'll be playing in his first Iron Bowl, Bo Nix has come along well in his first season at the helm at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Nix's 14;6 touchdown-to-interception ratio is nothing to sneeze at, and expect Auburn to take advantage of Alabama's injury-riddled defense.
1. Turnovers in Bunches
Auburn creates turnovers better than most defenses in the SEC, and playing a little-used quarterback in Jones in a rivalry game is a recipe for success. Expect Auburn's secondary and pass rush to expose Bama on Saturday.