SEC’s Best in-Conference Games: Number 8, The Iron Bowl
Auburn Offense vs. Alabama Defense
Alabama’s offense isn’t the only one with major questions heading into the season. Auburn has questions at every level. First and foremost is, who will be the quarterback. Jeremy Johnson and Sean White both played fairly poorly last season. John Franklin III enrolled in January. He is a great runner but may be too small and inaccurate to win with in the SEC. I think White will be the guy with Franklin seeing time as a wildcat quarterback.
The Tigers also have questions at the running back spot, though not about who the starter will be. That role will go to sophomore Kerryon Johnson. Johnson is extremely fast and agile but somewhat slim. When the Tigers need a little more beef expect Kamryn Pettway to come onto the field.
Wide receiver also has positions up for grabs. Senior Marcus Davis will start at one of the three spots, but the other two are completely up for grabs. Malzahn may decide to let freshman play there to get some experience. Because the other veterans have essentially done nothing their entire careers.
On the offensive line, the Tigers have to replace both tackles. Shon Coleman and Avery Young both moved on to the NFL after last season. Alex Kozan should be the best player. He returns from injury to start at the left guard spot. Transfer Austin Golson should get the start at center, and Braden Smith should be the new right guard after seeing time as a reserve last year.
Alabama’s defense was great last season. Which is nothing new for Alabama under Nick Saban. The Tide should be great again this year, though they lost a few pieces from last year’s squad. Up front the Tide lost Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson to the NFL Draft. However, they return sack leader Jonathan Allen and nose tackle Daron Payne. The other end spot will be filled by either Dalvin Tomlinson or Da’shawn Hand. They should be one of the top units in the country.
At linebacker, the Tide should also be stout. They lost leader Reggie Ragland, but Reuben Foster seems ready to step into that role. Shaun Dion Hamilton should do well next to Foster on the inside. On the outside, the Tide return two elite pass-rushers in Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson. Rashaan Evans is a versatile weapon who can play inside or outside coming off the bench.
In the secondary the Tide lose two starters, in the forms of Cyrus Jones and Geno Smith. They will be missed. However, the Tide does return safety Eddie Jackson and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Minkah Fitzpatrick, who saw time at nickel last season, should transition smoothly to the other outside corner spot. Finally, Ronnie Harrison, who saw time at dime should slide into Smith’s role at safety.
Advantage: Alabama
Next: Special Teams and Coaching
