3 Bold Predictions for Auburn and Alabama in the Iron Bowl
By Sean Facey
One of college football's most exciting rivalries is set to be renewed on Saturday, as Auburn plays host to a weakened Alabama team on the cusp of earning a playoff spot. The rivalry that gave us the Kick Six never fails to disappoint, and there are plenty of ways the Iron Bowl could play out, all of which have massive CFP and Bowl Season implications. With that in mind, here are some predictions on how the game will go.
3. Bo Nix Throws for 250 Yards
Nix may not be the most prolific passer in the world, but with everything to gain and nothing to lose at season's end, the freshman star is going to show out against his school's biggest rival. After watching him throw for 245 yards and a touchdown against Georgia, it's clear that he has it in him to step up when his team needs him most, especially against generally stout defenses like Alabama's.
2. Najee Harris Rushes for Two Touchdowns
Harris has been an integral part of Alabama's offense all season long, rushing for 942 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019. But with Tua Tagovailoa on the sidelines and Mac Jones under center, Nick Saban is going to lean on him heavily on Saturday. He'll be a crutch for the Crimson Tide any time they get close to the red zone, and he'll ultimately find pay dirt twice.
1. Alabama Wins by Less Than a Touchdown
Auburn and Alabama always play each other close when they're both ranked, and that'll be no different this year. With Tagovailoa out, there's no doubt that the Tigers smell blood in the water and will come out guns blazing. Ultimately, though, better coaching and talent will win the day, and Nick Saban's side will squeak by on a tight margin to win their second straight Iron Bowl.