Alabama plays Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday Night.
Auburn is a talented team with an interim coach, coaching for a head coaching job. If Alabama plays poorly, this could present some problems. Alabama still has their playoff hopes and SEC Championship aspirations alive. It should be a competitive contest, in one of sports greatest rivalries Saturday night.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBelow are Roll Tide Wire's X factors for an Alabama victory.
Keeping the Auburn offense off the field
Ashton Daniels owns a very strong arm, and has elite skilled players around him. Auburn wants to go fast too with tempo. This offense can present problems for any team. They are now that much more dangerous with a new interim coach in their rivalry game. Alabama has to play ball control offense, they need a contribution from their running game, and Ty Simpson has to take care of the football. The Auburn offense can score fast, so Alabama needs to keep them off the field.
Germie Bernard
Nov 30, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) makes a catch for a first down against Auburn Tigers cornerback Kayin Lee (4) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn ImagesGermie is maybe the best security blanket in all of college football. He needs a big effort against Auburn, especially given that that tight end Josh Cuevas is out, and also that the Alabama running game has not been reliable. Hopefully Alabama is able to pound the rock with the running backs. But I also think, if Germie gives one of his best performances, that will make a big difference.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGermie is a security blanket, but also a dynamic security blanket who can put points on the board. Auburn is likely going to try and take the short and intermediate game away from Ty Simpson. They will try to make him beat them deep. That being said, if Germie can have at least six catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, this means that he is beating the system designed to stop him. This will open things up for Horton and Williams.
Yhonzae Pierre and LT Overton
Yhonzae Pierre and LT Overton have combined for 10 sacks and 16.5 TFL. How much Pressure will they put on quarterback Ashton Daniels? Will they force him to make turnovers? Can Bray Hubbard be a factor in the back end? If Pierre and Overton make Daniels uncomfortable, this can be a huge factor for Alabama. This can allow some of the guys in the back end to make interceptions or force fumbles. This will help Alabama win the turnover battle.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football X factors in Iron Bowl vs. Auburn Tigers
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