Staff Predictions for the Iron Bowl

Five months ago in Birmingham, media from all over the country descended on SEC Media Days to begin coverage of the 2013 season. The most knowledgeable people in the industry made predictions on how the conference standings would look at the end of the regular season. Alabama was a clear favorite to win, but Auburn wasn't given a chance to compete. Picked 5th in the SEC West ahead of just Mississippi State and Arkansas, the Tigers have overcome all odds to arrive at the Iron Bowl with just one loss and a #4 national ranking.

Will the dream season continue? Auburn fans are as optimistic as ever, and who could blame them? After witnessing that miracle two weeks ago, you have to believe that anything is possible. Alabama, on the other hand, is on the cusp of history with its biggest rival trying to spoil the opportunity.

This game couldn't get any bigger, and the media attention has shown that. Now, let's see what our staff thinks about it.

Baron Huber (Host of Houston & Huber)

Better players, better coaches, Alabama wins this because we don't have to rely on a scheme to be successful. Since it's a God thing on the Plains, they'll understand "Spare the rod spoil the child." We spared the rod on them last year after being up 42 at half and only winning by 49. This year we stick it to them in their own backyard. Alabama 31, Auburn 17

Martin Houston (Host of Houston & Huber)

Well all the hay is in the barn, and it's time for the real men to stand up and be counted! This game will not disappoint early. I think we will see a very high energy level from both teams. However, I don't believe the Tigers have the horses to run with the Tide for four quarters! Look for AJ to O.J. to pay huge dividends, while C.J. and company bankrupt the Auburn running game. The Tide march to history, while perfection and the ultimate dynasty continues. After a hard fought first half and an LSU-type 2nd half, Tide goes up by 3 TDs with a late touchdown. Alabama moves to 12-0. Alabama 38, Auburn 17

Chris Stewart (Host of The Chris Stewart Show)

Alabama is walking into an environment that the Texas A&M game will pale in comparison. That makes the Tide's ability to get off to a fast start imperative, if they have hopes of giving their fans a stress-free afternoon. I'm not sure that will take place. Look for Auburn to throw every punch at Bama early. Nonetheless, the Tide manages to stay perfect. Alabama 31, Auburn 14

Ryan Fowler (Host of The Game)

After spending several hours breaking down the match-up between Auburn and Alabama, I have yet to find an area where Auburn is better than Alabama. With that being said, you can understand the line the experts in the desert set earlier this week for this game (current 10.5). It has been 1,099 days since Auburn has scored an offensive touchdown against the Crimson Tide. In the past 9 games, Alabama’s defense has only given up 5 TDs and outscored opponents 353-50. Auburn’s only chance is if Alabama self-inflicts damage and gives the Tigers some free turnovers. Since 1955, the better team in the series wins 80.7% of the time. I can find many ways the Tide can win, but not very many for the Tigers to pull off the upset. Nick Saban is 16-3 when College Gameday makes an appearance at a Bama game. The Crimson Tide also has an 18 game winning streak for games being played away from Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama is 26-7 (.788) against the Associated Press’s top 25, including a 16-4 mark against the AP’s top-10 teams over the past six seasons. With all of that being said, I could not find a way Auburn beats Alabama. They just don’t, and AJ McCarron comes out of the game in the driver’s seat to win the Heisman trophy. Roll Tide! Alabama 42 Auburn 24

Ryan McMunn (Producer of The Chris Stewart Show and The Game)

How many Games of the Century does Alabama have to play in??? This is getting redundant. But I digress. This is arguably the most important Iron Bowl in the history of Alabama and Auburn athletics. With that being said, it won’t be the best game in Iron Bowl history. The Tigers have had a shockingly good season so far, but it comes to a screeching halt Saturday. Auburn can’t stop any team on defense, and Alabama has the speed on defense to play the East to West game if Auburn decides to stretch it out, but they also have the size and strength to stop the power running attack if the Tigers choose to go that route. Nick Marshall had better channel his inner Cam Newton if Auburn wants to have any shot at winning this game. Alabama wins a squeaker. Alabama 41, Auburn 18.

Trey Brooks (Producer of Houston & Huber)

This is a classic case of strength vs. strength. Auburn has one of the best rushing attacks in the nation, but Alabama is tops at stopping the run. Auburn's defense will have trouble slowing down a Bama offense that passes as well as it rushes. Look for the Tigers to play with passion and pride, but look for the Tide to win. Alabama 31, Auburn 21

Ben George (Digital Managing Editor)

I've seen plenty of fluky plays in this series that I've come to expect some crazy bounce or a ridiculous turnover. That's going to be the reason Auburn pulls an upset if it actually happens. Otherwise, despite how successful this season has been, there's no way Auburn has completely closed the gap from what happened in 2012. The Crimson Tide should have its way on offense and force Nick Marshall into a couple of interceptions to help put away the game. Keep the tractors parked in the barn this year because there won't be any hayride parades on the Plains this year. Alabama 35, Auburn 24

Filed Under: Iron Bowl, Staff Predictions

Categories: Alabama, Alabama Football