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Jackie Shipp, current defensive line coach at the University of Oklahoma once told me “OU vs. Texas is bigger than life, but nothing compares to Auburn vs. Alabama”. The hatred is real regardless if there is national hype surrounding the game. This year is the first time in a long time since War Eagle and Rammer Jammer have met up with so much on the line.

Although Alabama leads the overall series 40-33-1, few people may realize that the Crimson Tide has only beaten Auburn once at home since they began the series. That being said, I do not believe this game being in T-Town will have as big of an impact as many believe.

On a random side note, one of the funniest tweets I’ve ever read in my life may provide more insight into the hostile environment outside Bryant-Denny stadium in “T-town (Tuscaloosa). “@ellencagle Just saw a 50+ yr old lady doing a walk of shame. Dress was unzipped halfway down her back” That tweet makes me laugh every time, but back to business.

I truly feel like Alabama is a great team with all due respect, however, Cam Newton has not given me a reason to believe he can be defeated this year. Even after all the problems surrounding his father and his recruitment, he still went out and dismantled Georgia…this Friday will be no different. The Auburn defense led by future All-Americans, Nick Fairley and Josh Bynes, bends but does not break. Their defense also has a habit of making huge plays when it counts.

Alabama has a cupboard full of offensive weapons including Trent Richardson, Julio Jones, and Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram with Greg McElroy pulling the strings at QB. I don’t think that Alabama will be able to make a living running the ball against Auburn. Alabama in my opinion should stay away from the teeth of the Auburn D. What they should do is attack their secondary much like Arkansas, because the Tigers have a tendency to give up the big plays through the air.

The marquee match-up on the field will definitely be the Auburn offense against the Alabama defense. Bama runs a 3-4 and on a side note Cal gave Oregon fits with their 3-4 and the Ducks run a similar offense. However, when Auburn’s offense has the ball, there may not be more talent in the country on the field on both sides. Alabama brings Dante Hightower, Marcel Dareus, and Mark Barron, providing an elite player at every level of their defense for Nick Saban. While Auburn counters with Newton, Onterrio McCalebb, Darvin Adams, and Mike Dyer who have combined to form an offensive juggernaut on the plains.

Who would have thought this year that Alabama would be fighting Auburn for its stranglehold as the elite team in the state. If you saw that one coming, I would like to see documented proof and a witness. Look for Auburn to wear down Alabama and keep them on edge with Guz Malzahn’s high flying offense. I fully expect Auburn to win this game convincingly. If Bama does not come to play it could be a blowout, because Auburn has had a full two weeks to prepare. Cam Newton makes his final stop on his regular season campaign trail running for the Heisman.

War Eagle this Friday BIG mark it down.

Quick Claude

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