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SEC’s Best in-Conference Games: Number 8, The Iron Bowl

By Justin Melton

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) and linebacker Reuben Foster (10) celebrate after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) and linebacker Reuben Foster (10) celebrate after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Calvin Ridley is the man. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Calvin Ridley is the man in the Alabama passing game. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Alabama Offense vs. Auburn Defense

As it has for the past two seasons, the Alabama Crimson Tide will have a new starting quarterback this season. I had thought, until perhaps a week ago, that Cooper Bateman would be that new starting quarterback. But Tide insiders have been raving about the performances of redshirt freshman Blake Barnett, and true freshman Jalen Hurts. When I attended Alabama’s Fan Day I thought Hurts was the most impressive. At this point who even knows who will win?

The running back position needs a new starter as well, but the waters are much less murky here. Bo Scarbrough is set to start with Damien Harris and true freshman B.J. Emmons backing him up. Scarbrough is essentially a Derrick Henry clone. He’s big, strong, and surprisingly fast. Harris struggled as a freshman last season  but looked much better during the A-Day game. Emmons is young but he runs hard. He was very impressive at Fan Day.

The one offensive position where the Tide has an incredible amount of experience is at wide receiver. Calvin Ridley is a star already. Ardarius Stewart is getting better with every game, and he has all the tools needed to be a star as well. Robert Foster was starting ahead of Ridley before he was injured against Ole Miss. Transfer Gehrig Dieter can just plain catch the football. If Bama can find a quarterback, this group’s potential is limitless.

On the offensive line Bama returns three starters. Fortunately, one is left tackle Cam Robinson. The other is Ross Pierschbacher who is moving from left guard to center this season. Alphonse Taylor may have lost his job at right guard. Bradley Bozeman has been taking first team reps there during Fall Camp. Lester Cotton and Jonah Williams are penciled in at left guard and right tackle respectively.

For Auburn on defense, there is a lot of potential, but not so much production. Can new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele change that? I remain a bit skeptical. Nevertheless, Steele has a lot of quality players to work with. Auburn’s starting defensive line has the potential to be one of the best in the conference. Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams are nigh unblockable when they want to be.

The Tigers also have talent at linebacker. Tre’ Williams is a former 5-star recruit who is finally going to get the chance to be a full-time starter in his junior year. While he may lack the raw athletic ability of Williams, T.J. Neal may be just as important for the Tiger defense this season. The graduate transfer has ample experience, as he started 25 games at Illinois.

The Auburn secondary should also be tough. Carlton Davis returns at corner. He will be looking to build off a fantastic freshman campaign. Safeties Johnathan Ford and Tray Matthews have plenty of talent as well as experience. The only question is who will man the other corner. Steele will need to pick someone good if they want to match up with Alabama’s receivers.

Advantage: Auburn (at least for now. Bama’s offense just has too many question marks at present).

Next: AU O vs. UA D

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