Auburn-ready players could cause problems for the Alabama defense – touchdown Alabama

The 79th Iron Bowl will feature some top-notch athletes on both sides of the ball. Auburn has one of the most explosive offenses in the SEC. The Tigers’ offense was limited by subpar performance at the quarterback position and turnovers. In recent weeks, these issues appear to be resolved.

Quarterback Payton Thorne played better and the turnovers weren’t as big of a problem. He has thrown for 587 yards and seven touchdowns in the last two games. He only threw one interception. Auburn’s playmakers have continued to develop on offense despite the early struggles.

Running back Jarquez Hunter, wide receivers Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons and KeAndre Lambert-Smith have each been X-factors on the offensive side of the ball at different times this season. They have continued to improve in Hugh Freeze’s offense and appear to be playing their best down the stretch. All four have a combined 3,115 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns.

Alabama’s defense has seen three of its starters (Que Robinson, Deontae Lawson and Keon Sabb) suffer season-ending injuries since suffering a bitter loss to Tennessee in October. The Crimson Tide have not been challenged in either the running or passing game since Week 5 against Vanderbilt. That will certainly change this weekend when the Tigers come to town.

Auburn has a balanced offensive attack with several explosive playmakers on the perimeter and arguably the best running back in the league in Jarquez Hunter. Thorne appears to be playing his best ball of the season and will look to extend his college career beyond this weekend’s Iron Bowl.

Alabama’s defense will likely be tested in ways that haven’t been tested this season. Auburn’s veteran players are as good as any skilled group the Crimson Tide has seen this season. Will Alabama’s defense be there when it’s needed most?

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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X via @brodysmoot.