It’s the game that needs no introduction: the Iron Bowl. This year, Auburn visits Bryant-Denny Stadium to renew the Alabama state rivalry. Last year, Auburn shocked the Crimson Tide with a late return touchdown, and Alabama will be looking for revenge this year.

Before the game, let’s take a look at the vital statistics for this year’s matchup.

THE GOOD

  • 2. Alabama is second in the nation in rushing defense, and they’ve only allowed two rushing touchdowns all year. Auburn’s offense is predicated on its zone-read running attack, and Alabama should be up to the task of slowing it.
  • 564.7. The Crimson Tide are just about unstoppable at home, racking up 564.7 yards of total offense on average in game played at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Auburn is giving up 412 yards per game on the road, and with the way their defense has played of late the Tide could be in for a big day.
  • 0. Since Nick Saban came to town, Alabama has not lost two straight games to any one opponent. Auburn rebounded from a 49-0 knockout in 2012, and given the Crimson Tide’s history they’ll be ready to bounce back in a big way from last year’s gut-punch loss.

THE BAD

  • 6. Kicking has been a problem all season for Alabama, and they’ve missed at least one kick in six of their last seven games. No one is likely to forget the legendary fashion in which last year’s game ended, with Auburn returning a missed field goal for the winning touchdown. Saban will have some reservations about trying any long field goals in this one.
  • -1. Alabama has a negative turnover margin this year, with one more giveaway than takeaway. Auburn’s offense has sputtered in recent weeks because they haven’t been able to hold onto the ball, with eight turnovers in November. The Crimson Tide will need to be able to take advantage of the Tigers’ shaky ball handling.
  • 2-2. Saban hasn’t owned Auburn like he has the rest of college football when the Tigers have had Gus Malzahn on staff. Malzahn was the offensive coordinator of the Cam Newton-led 2010 national champions, and last season was his first year as the head coach at Auburn. Saban is 4-3 against the Tigers in his first seven years at the helm in Tuscaloosa.