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

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

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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Daniel Carlson is good at kicking the ball. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams and Coaching

Special teams remain something of a question mark for Alabama. They need new return men as Cyrus Jones and Kenyan Drake are both in the NFL now. The kicking situation is hit or miss. When Adam Griffith is on, he can kick as well as anyone in the country. But when he isn’t the poor guy can’t hit the side of the barn. Punter JK Scott was solid last season although he still had a bit of a sophomore slump. His average dipped from an obscene 48 yards per kick to 44.

Auburn’s special teams meanwhile were pretty great last year, and should be again this season. Kicker Daniel Carlson is one of the best in the country. Last season he hit 23 of his 27 attempted field goals. Punter Kevin Phillips is the weak link of the Tiger special teams, though he still averaged 41 yards per punt. Johnathan Ford and Kerryon Johnson are both good return men.

In terms of coaching there’s really no comparison. Gus Malzahn is a good coach, but Nick Saban is one of the greatest of all-time. Lane Kiffin is a much better offensive coordinator than Rhett Lashlee. Jeremy Pruitt is orders of magnitude better at defensive coordinator than Kevin Steele.

Advantage: Alabama (Auburn wins special teams but coaching was super lopsided)

Next: Prediction and Conclusion

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