SEC Football: Auburn at Alabama Betting Pick

The Alabama Crimson Tide will host the Auburn Tigers in the 2018 edition of the Iron Bowl. These two bitter rivals have had some memorable games in the past, but on paper, this game does not look to live up to the hype. The Crimson Tide come into this game as the top-rated team in the country, while Auburn has not cracked the top-25.

Alabama has the SEC West Division wrapped up, and come into this game with a perfect 11-0 record. The Crimson Tide are beating teams by an average of over 35 points per game this season, and have not been challenged. Auburn comes into this game with a 7-4 overall record, but have just three SEC wins this season. Alabama is a whopping 24 point favorite over Auburn in this game.

Tagovailoa Leading Alabama

Sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been battling injuries of late, but that hasn’t stopped his production. The Hawaiian QB has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes so far this season and had 31 touchdown passes to just two interceptions. Running back Damien Harris leads the team with 678 rushing yards but suffered a concussion in the team’s victory over The Citadel. An injured Harris could slow down the high scoring Alabama offense.

Alabama is giving up just 13.1 points per game this season, which is the third-best scoring defense in college football. The Crimson Tide have given up less than 170 passing yards per game, and they can put a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their front seven will be tested against a good Auburn rushing attack in this game.

Auburn Loves to Run

The Auburn Tigers have a balanced offensive attack, but they will look to run the ball against the Crimson Tide. The Tigers have scored 21 rushing touchdowns this season, with JaTarvious Whitlow leading the way with four of them. Whitlow has racked up 716 rushing yards this season and is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Establishing the running game will be a huge key for Auburn in this game.

Auburn has given up just 16.6 points per game this season, but that number is skewed with their ability to keep weaker teams to a low number. The Tigers will face their biggest test on defense in this game, and they have yet to prove they can beat a great team. Auburn has given up close to 210 passing yards per game, and their secondary will be tested by Tagovailoa on Saturday.