Auburn Football: Scouting the Alabama Defense and Special Teams for the 2014 Iron Bowl

Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Ross (8) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Trey DePriest (33) and Brandon Ivory (99) in the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 Iron Bowl will feature an Unstoppable Force vs. Immoveable Object matchup when the Auburn football team travels to Tuscaloosa Saturday. The 8-3 Tigers have had one of the most explosive offensive units in the nation each of the last two seasons and lead the SEC in rushing this season.

On the other hand, Alabama has the SEC’s best rushing defense at 85.3 yards per game, which ranks second in the nation. The Crimson Tide also ranks second nationally having allowed 14.5 points per game on average, behind Ole Miss’ 13.5, and ranks in the nation’s top five and leads the league in total defense (283.1 yards per game). Twice in 2014, the Tide has held an opponent to fewer than 200 total yards.

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If they finish the 2014 season atop the Southeastern Conference leaderboard in total defense, it will be the seventh consecutive season Alabama has boasted the league’s best total defense, which is something no SEC squad has ever done. In fact, Alabama was the first team to lead the SEC in total defense across six consecutive seasons.

Alabama enters the slugfest with a 10-1 record, a No. 1 national ranking according to the Associated Press and the College Football Playoff committee, and one of college football’s most talented rosters on both sides of the football featuring many future pros.

Here’s a look at the players the Alabama defense (and special teams) will use to try and slow down the Tigers Saturday. If they fail to stop the Unstoppable Force, the Auburn football team will have an opportunity to score a second straight upset, potentially knocking Alabama out of the SEC Championship Game and the playoff picture.

Next: Alabama Defensive Line