Ahh, the Iron Bowl.
The people of Alabama wait all year for this meeting, and it is no surprise that it will have potential national championship implications again this season. It is becoming a yearly tradition.
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn and Alabama’s Nick Saban will meet for the third time in Iron Bowl history with the score tied 1-1.
So while we wait for Saturday’s game, let’s take a look at what each team will bring to the field with its coaching staffs, and what their line of thinking might be for this game:
HEAD COACHES
Nick Saban, Alabama: Saban carries a 5-3 record into his ninth attempt at the Iron Bowl. This time, much like last season, his Crimson Tide will be the team with everything on the line. Much will be made about the last time Alabama visited The Plains, which resulted in the infamous “Kick Six” victory, but this is a very different Alabama team playing against an Auburn team that is not nearly as dynamic as the 2013 version. Alabama has won 59 straight games against unranked opponents, which says a lot about what Auburn is up against this weekend.
Gus Malzahn, Auburn: Malzahn has progressed from being one of college football’s most exciting and innovation offensive coordinators into a seasoned head coach. Now in his fourth year as a head man, and third at Auburn, he’s starting to feel the pressures that go along with being at a place like Auburn. After making a national championship appearance in his first season as head coach, he’s quickly figuring out that back-to-back middling finishes in the SEC West are frowned upon. One thing that always plays well with the Auburn faithful is beating Alabama, and he has a chance to play spoiler this weekend with home-field advantage and the pressure all on the Crimson Tide.
OFFENSIVE STAFFS
Alabama coordinator: Lane Kiffin (QB)
His staff: Burton Burns (RB), Mario Cristobal (OL), Billy Napier (WR), Bobby Williams (TE/ST)
When Alabama has the ball: The game plan has increasingly revolved around RB Derrick Henry as the season has gone along, so there’s no reason to think they’re putting their horse in the stable for the biggest game of the year. Another 30-touch game is on the horizon for Henry, who can likely book a flight to New York for the Heisman ceremony thanks to Lane Kiffin’s heavy usage this season. QB Jake Coker will need to have a solid day to provide balance for the Crimson Tide.
Auburn coordinator: Rhett Lashlee (QB)
His staff: Dameyune Craig (WR), J.B. Grimes (OL), Tim Horton (RB), Scott Fountain (TE/ST)
When Auburn has the ball: Auburn’s stable of running backs seems to be getting healthy and productive at the right time. Jovon Robinson has emerged as a quality ballcarrier in recent weeks, and both Peyton Barber and Roc Thomas offer steady alternatives. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Alabama is fantastic at stopping the run and their quarterback play has been very iffy.
DEFENSIVE STAFFS
Alabama coordinator: Kirby Smart (LB)
His staff: Bo Davis (DL), Mel Tucker (DB), Tosh Lupoi (OLB)
When Auburn has the ball: The Crimson Tide defense is working like a well-oiled machine at this point in the season, and there’s likely nothing Kirby Smart is going to do to mess with a good thing. The front seven has suffocated the run, and the secondary has been pretty consistent about taking advantage of mistakes. The line of thinking has to be that a guy like Jeremy Johnson will make mistakes if you let him, so if the run defense plays up to its reputation the Crimson Tide should be in a good spot.
Auburn coordinator: Will Muschamp
His staff: Rodney Garner (DL), Lance Thompson (LB), Travaris Robinson (DB)
When Alabama has the ball: The focus for the Tigers defense, as it has been for most anyone playing the Crimson Tide this season, will be to force Alabama to put the game in the hands of QB Jake Coker. But for that to work, they must first consistently stop Derrick Henry on early downs to force predictable passing down situations.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
