♦♦ BAMA NATION ♦♦

•2023 Bama Football 2023 •  Tuscaloosa, AL After a one-year visit to irrelevancy, the Iron Bowl once again will have a major say in the national championship race in 2023. So how do the Tide and Tigers match up? We take a look in our annual Iron Bowl position-by-position breakdown: Quarterback Alabama’s Jalen Milroe has made one of the greatest in-season improvements in recent program history, and is capable of explosive plays as both a passer and a runner. It took Auburn coaches more than half the season to figure out they should stop rotating Payton Thorne with Robby Ashford, and give Thorne most of the reps. Advantage: Alabama Running back The Crimson Tide uses a backfield rotation of Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams and Jamarian Miller, who have combined for 1,364 yards this season. Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter has thrived as the feature back this year, averaging nearly six yards per carry. Advantage: Even Receiver/tight end For the second straight year, Alabama does not have a true go-to receiver, with Jermaine Burton (29 receptions, 6 TDs) the closest thing to that. Tight end Amari Niblack has developed into a red zone weapon, with his four touchdowns second on the team. Auburn’s tight end, Rivaldo Fairweather, is by far its most dangerous receiving threat, with 33 catches and six TDs this season. Wideouts Ja’Varrius Johnson, Jay Fair, Caleb Burton and Shane Hooks have all had their moments, just not enough of them to keep defenses honest. Advantage: Alabama Offensive line Alabama’s offensive line has played better of late, though it has rarely been the sum of its parts this season. Pre-snap penalties and sacks — 33 of them — have plagued this group all year. Auburn loaded up with transfers and freshmen in the offseason, and has gotten solid-to-good results for the most part. Tackle Gunner Britton has been the team’s best lineman this season, though freshman center Connor Lew appears to have a very bright future. Advantage: Even Defensive line As it has for the last several years, Alabama rotates several players in the front three, without much discernable drop-off. Veteran end Justin Eboigbe (52 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 5 sacks) is playing at close to an All-SEC level, while sophomore Jaheim Oatis does things that don’t show up on the stat sheet to create havoc at the point of attack. Tim Keenan, Tim Smith, Jah-Marien Latham and Damon Payne also make the occasional big play. Auburn senior tackle Marcus Harris has had an excellent season, with 38 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. End Keldric Faulk has held his own as a true freshman, while veterans Justin Rogers, Jayson Jones and Zykevious Walker form the rest of what is a solid group. Advantage: Alabama Linebacker Alabama’s Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell are among the best edge-rushing duos in both the SEC and the country, combining for 15 sacks and 20 tackles for loss this season. Auburn’s two outside linebackers, Eugene Asante and Jalen McLeod, have also been excellent at getting to the quarterback this season (17 TFL, 10.5 sacks combined). The inside linebackers haven’t been nearly as productive, though the return of Austin Keys from a thumb injury in late October has helped somewhat Advantage: Alabama Secondary Kool-Aid McKinstry came into the year as the big name cornerback at Alabama and has played well, but he’s been outshined by Terrion Arnold, who might challenge for All-America honors this year. Auburn plays four seniors and a junior (and sometimes five seniors) in its secondary, with cornerbacks DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett taking a back seat to no one and both likely to play in the NFL next year. Advantage: Even Special teams Alabama kicker Will Reichard is having another excellent season, and should become college football’s all-time leading scorer this week or next. Veteran punter James Burnip has also been excellent. Kendrick Law has been good when he’s chosen to return kickoffs rather than take a fair catch. The coverage units are decent, though not spectacular. Auburn kicker Alex McPherson has not missed a field goal or extra point all season long, though he hasn’t had as many opportunities as some. Punter Oscar Chapman is also consistent and highly productive. Brian Battie on kickoffs and Keionte Scott on punts are among the most-dangerous return twosomes in the SEC. Advantage: Auburn Coaching Advantage: Alabama Overall Advantage: Alabama • CLICK HERE TO ROLL WITH THE TIDE •