This Saturday marks an exciting chapter in college football as the No. 13 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (8-3, 4-3) prepares to face off against the Auburn Tigers (5-6, 2-5) in the highly anticipated 2024 Iron Bowl. Alabama enters this clash with the pressing goal of keeping its College Football Playoff aspirations alive after a disappointing 24-3 defeat to Oklahoma in their previous game. Meanwhile, Auburn is aiming for bowl eligibility, riding the momentum from a thrilling victory against Texas A&M, where they triumphed 43-41 in a storied quadruple overtime match.
Both teams have equal records against the spread this season at 6-5. Alabama has dominated recent Iron Bowl encounters, winning four in a row and boasting a commanding 50-37-1 advantage in the all-time series. Notably, Auburn’s tight end, Rivaldo Fairweather, has been cleared to play, adding another dynamic to their offense.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The latest odds show Alabama as the 10.5-point favorite, with an over/under of 52.5 points for the game.
Jimmie Kaylor, an expert with extensive NFL and college football experience, has been successful in making predictions this season, achieving an impressive record of 214-136-6 since the start of 2023. His insight will be invaluable as he shares his picks for this exciting matchup.
Alabama hopes to leverage the talents of quarterback Jalen Milroe, a standout dual-threat player who had been a Heisman Trophy contender earlier in the season. Milroe has impressive stats, with 2,396 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and a remarkable 615 rushing yards with 17 additional touchdowns.
On the other hand, Auburn’s motivation is high as they seek a pivotal win to qualify for postseason play. The Tigers have shown resilience recently, going 3-1 against the spread in their last four matchups. Auburn’s potent rushing attack, led by running back Jarquez Hunter—who has gathered 1,145 rushing yards and eight touchdowns—could play a crucial role in keeping the game competitive.
The stakes are high in this storied rivalry, and all eyes will be on how each team rises to the occasion. With both teams looking to secure their respective goals, fans can expect a thrilling game filled with intensity.
As analysts like Kaylor weigh in and consider various aspects of the game, it’s clear that both Alabama and Auburn are committed to making a statement, making for a captivating Iron Bowl that could surprise even the most seasoned fans.