In which the writer talks about the Iron Bowl

By Tim Cottrell
Sports Writer/Designer
Published: November 29, 2008

There have been many types of Iron Bowls over the years.

Battles in which both teams were in the national title hunt, games when both were kinda lousy, games when both were average, games when one was good and one was bad.

This is, obviously, one of the latter.

In terms of breaking down the game, there’s really not much to say.

Looking at the game from a realistic, football standpoint, there is no reason Auburn should win this game, or even really keep it close. Alabama is better at virtually every position and is playing better football.

It is also, of course, a rivalry game. So you can also throw logic out the window sometimes.

Auburn can win this game, but they have to play perfect football and force Alabama into a lot of mistakes. Two things that neither team has done thus far this season.

And I’d say there’s a better than decent chance that Nick Saban will have the Tide coming out like rabid dogs the way they did against Georgia. And if Bama gets ahead by more than a touchdown at any point Auburn doesn’t stand a chance.

Looking at this rationally, I just can’t see Auburn managing much offense at all against the Tide. The only way I see them getting more than 10 points is with a Tristan Davis or Robert Dunn return touchdown or a defensive touchdown.

But I think Bama does its usual, workmanlike performance, gets a lead and hands it over to the defense to get the win, hence the 27-10 pick earlier this week in my weekly picks.

All in all it should be a fun one, back with some thoughts once it’s over. Enjoy.