In preparation for Saturday’s matchup between Auburn and Alabama, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between the Tigers and Crimson Tide.

Auburn run game vs. Alabama run defense

It’s strength versus strength in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night.

Auburn enters the 2014 edition of the Iron Bowl ranked eighth in the country in rushing offense, averaging more than 265 yards per game. Alabama boasts the nation’s second-ranked rush defense, surrendering just 85.3 yards per game.

The Tigers stalled on offense for the first quarter and a half last week against Samford, and quarterback Nick Marshall had the worst rushing performance of his Auburn career last week against the Bulldogs. Marshall totaled minus-eight rushing yards on 11 carries.

Gus Malzahn’s offense is at its best when there’s a run-first mentality, and both Marshall and Cameron Artis-Payne are able to establish some success on the ground. It will be key for Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee to establish the run first against this stout Crimson Tide defensive front.

In recent weeks, however, Marshall has made some questionable decisions on the zone read that has led to either fumbles or an inability to escape negative plays.

Alabama struggles with the threat of a running quarterback. Marshall ran for less than 100 yards in last year’s Iron Bowl, but he was a threat due to a 45-yard first-half touchdown scamper, and he was perhaps the best quarterback in the country last year at running the zone read.

When the Crimson Tide face a quarterback who can make plays with their legs, it forces Kirby Smart’s defense to stay honest, but also to play sound assignment football.

We haven’t seen as many of the jet sweeps, trick plays or motions from Malzahn this season, but expect some wrinkles from the Tigers on Saturday night. Alabama can struggle when it has a lot on which to focus. Crimson Tide defenders bit on several fakes last season that either opened up running lanes or left a receiver all alone for Marshall.

This matchup will decide the game. If Auburn is unable to establish any kind of success on the ground, the Tigers may struggle to keep it close. If it can get going early, however, and make Alabama play perfect football defensively, it could be a game into the fourth quarter.