Plainsman Picks: Alabama – The Auburn Plainsman

As Auburn looks to pick up its first win in Tuscaloosa since 2010, here’s what some of our sports staffers have to say about Saturday’s game between Auburn and No. 13 Alabama, including score predictions and analysis.

Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Alabama 31-27

“Kalen DeBoer and Alabama have been great when their backs are against the wall this season – especially at home. I certainly think there is a path for Auburn to win, but that would go against everything we’ve seen for the Tigers all season. “Go to Tuscaloosa and win. Still, I wouldn’t put it past them.

Grace Heim, assistant sports editor: Alabama 35-20

“It’s the Iron Bowl, so it’s going to be a weird game that pretty much defies logic and reason, but I still expect Alabama to win. If this game were at Auburn I would be more likely to pick the Tigers, but overall I think the Crimson Tide have more talent on their roster in every way.”

Logan Fowler, sports reporter: Alabama 28-21

“Auburn is playing its best football of late, with wideouts Cam Coleman and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, along with running back Jarquez Hunter leading the way. The Tigers are on a two-game winning streak and offensively they could achieve their goals.”

However, Auburn hasn’t held an Iron Bowl close to Tuscaloosa in a decade. While I think Auburn can and will keep this game close, I don’t think the Tigers are inherently talented enough to go to Bryant-Denny Stadium and win on Saturday.

Craig Noyes, Sports Writer: Auburn 27-17

“Auburn is playing its best ball of the season and will catch Alabama at the right time. The Tigers are fighting for more than just bowl eligibility, while the Tide likely had their playoff hopes dashed by the Sooners. Make sure the Tigers can lean on Jarquez Hunter and pull off the surprise.”

Reid Farris, sportswriter: Alabama 31-21

“During this season, the Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide have been characterized by one thing: their unpredictability. Auburn and Alabama will face off in the 89th edition of the Iron Bowl on Saturday in Tuscaloosa under the direction of Alabama head coach Kalen Deboer to experience the rivalry for the first time.

“I believe the Tigers will make it extremely difficult for Alabama’s defense during the run game as they are missing several key players due to injury on that side of the ball, including star middle linebacker Deontae Lawson. The Tide will have to counter Auburn’s running game with their own to be successful, and while I think the Tigers will put up a good fight, I think the Tide will find ways to force turnovers like they did in this one have done so much this year and will take advantage of Auburn’s secondary with their strong receiving. At the core there will be a setback, but in the end I believe Alabama will come out on top.