By Brant Daughtry
Cadillacs and Chargers
Alabama is coached by Nick Saban, but you probably already knew that. He’s the best college football coach ever, at this point it’s undeniable. A few national championships, a few Heisman winners, a coaching tree that branches from here to the west coast. The man has done it all and has nothing left to prove. But winning doesn’t ever get old, so he’s still here proving himself.
This year’s Alabama team isn’t exactly what it’s expected to be, but they’re still 9-2. Honestly the fact that this year is disappointing speaks to how insane the expectations are that Saban has created there. They’re quarterbacked by Bryce Young, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner and crunch time extraordinaire. He’s the reason Alabama is as good as they are. His ability to break tackles and keep plays alive has been a massive asset to them as the offensive line hasn’t exactly dominated. They score a ton of points, and a ton of yards. The way to beat this offense is constantly make Young uncomfortable in the pocket. He doesn’t get flustered easily, but doesn’t throw as well when under constant pressure. When it comes to crunch time though, you’re going to have to make the play. Nobody is better at a game winning two-minute drill than Bryce Young.
The defense is where things get interesting. Everyone knows the names of Will Anderson and Dallas Turner, Alabama’s two dominant edge rushers. Their defensive line is solid. Hernry To’oTo’o has been very good for his entire career, including his years at Tennessee. The secondary though, has been vulnerable this season, and you don’t need to look any further than their game against Tennessee where Jaylin Hyatt ran free for most of the game.
Players to Watch For:
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, #1- If Bryce Young is the heartbeat of this offense, Gibbs is the muscle. The Georgia Tech transfer was probably the best transfer on the market, and has made his mark this season. He has over 6 yards per carry this season to the tune of 774 yards and six touchdowns. His ability as a home run hitter is something to be feared. He also leads Alabama in receptions with 40. He’s versatile and talented.
Edge defender Will Anderson, #31- For my money, there’s not a scarier defensive player in all of college football. Anderson has potential to be a top 10 draft pick this year, and I personally think he’s the best player in the game. He has eight sacks and should honestly have more. He’s the kind of player to gameplay against, the guy you have to identify before every snap. If Auburn’s going to have a chance in this game, containing Will Anderson is going to be priority number 1.
This is a little weird. For the first time since 2007, both of these teams will have more than one loss coming into this game. Over a decade. Now, most of that has been due to Nick Saban’s dominant streak, but Auburn has won the SEC West a few times during that streak as well. This game is purely for pride. And that’s where Auburn might hold an advantage. This bunch has been kind of telling on themselves lately. They expect championships, and credit to them for that. But when that’s out the window, it’s almost like they have nothing else. I wonder whether or not Bryant-Denny stadium will be full for this game. Auburn has been fighting for just pride for several weeks now. Alabama doesn’t know what that’s like.
Look, I don’t expect Auburn will win this game. If Alabama runs away with it, I won’t be shocked. But Auburn has always been a little different. These players and these coaches have been fighting for Auburn this entire time. Alabama doesn’t have that. The soulless machine in Tuscaloosa can’t turn human to fight for bragging rights and the love of its own school at this point. Auburn is anything but soulless. And if Auburn wins this game, that humanity will be why.
