Auburn football is getting close to playing their big rivalry game in the Iron Bowl against oh-so-hated Alabama. While the Crimson Tide is favored — and deservedly so given AU’s stunning loss to New Mexico State — everyone who knows anything about Jordan-Hare Stadium and its infamous voodoo knows AU is a live dog regardless.
The Tigers have several things that can lead them to pull off the big upset and end the regular season on the highest of notes possible.
Jarquez Hunter
Jarquez Hunter has proven himself to be a big-time running back who can have monster games for the Tigers — and it certainly will not be a shocker if he comes out in the big rivalry game and shows out.
His ability to create plays on the ground and through the air will leave Alabama’s defense off balance. Bring it on Kevin Steele!
Auburn’s defense
Ron Roberts’ Auburn defense has shown up all season, ranking 12th in the entire country with third-down defense. Alabama ranks No. 10 on offense, making this a battle of an irresistible force and an immovable object.
Auburn may have the men who can’t be moved, though, right The Script?
Auburn fans
With the final game being on the Plains, Jordan-Hare Stadium is going to show out. That much is a guarantee for practically every conference game ever, but we all know it just means a little bit more when the Crimson Tide comes to play.
In Hugh Freeze’s first matchup against Nick Saban and Co., that statement may even be truer than usual. The 2023 Iron Bowl could be the passing of the torch from the legendary Alabama HC to the Oxford, Mississippi native who’s quickly making Auburn his home; that torch being the Yellowhammer crown for the top program in the state.
Auburn football can play spoiler to Alabama’s College Football Playoff hopes
A two-loss team has never made the College Football Playoff, so even though Alabama has an SEC Championship berth in hand already and could knock off the two-time defending CFP champions, Georgia, they could be knocked out in Week 13.
Auburn can reprise their famous spoiler role on November 25. Please do, AU.