Auburn vs Alabama odds – the Iron Bowl
Internet sportsbook odds: Tide prepping for SEC Championship
- WHO: Auburn Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide (-14.5)
- WHAT: NCAA football betting
- WHEN: Saturday, November 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL
- KEY STATS: Auburn is 5-0 in its last five games when playing Alabama
- PICK: Alabama
Auburn vs Alabama betting is annually one of the most anticipated games for NCAA football betting sharps, however their enthusiasm pales in comparison to that of residents in the “Heart of Dixie.”
The annual rivalry game, known as the Iron Bowl, has been played since 1893, when the two teams went at it in an open field at Lakeview Park in front of roughly 2,000 fans. Over the years the series has been host to some of college football’s fiercest matchups and dramatic finishes, with gridiron greats like Bo Jackson and Kenny Stabler going toe-to-toe.
This season, the Auburn vs Alabama spread favors the Crimson Tide as they enter the final week of the regular season with the No. 1 ranking attached to them. As of November 8, Nick Saban and his crew knew they would be meeting up with the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship. However, Alabama has bigger goals, namely the BCS Championship, and those dreams ultimately rest with this game.
For Auburn, the goal is simply to play the role of spoiler and to salvage a disappointing season by notching a sixth win and becoming bowl eligible. Although they’re a significant underdog on Auburn vs Alabama lines, the Tigers have won the past six meetings with the Crimson Tide, including a 17-10 nail-biter last season.
Alabama’s game plan is unlikely to change: run the ball. The Crimson Tide has slammed 27 rushing touchdowns into the end zone this season, compared to only eight through the air. Saban will look to expose the over-hyped Auburn defense, which has shown itself to be quite porous as the 2008 season has progressed.
NCAA football lines suggest that the Tigers will lose by two touchdowns or more, something they have only done once this season, despite their mediocre 5-6 record.
In order for Auburn to defy the NCAA football odds, it will need to keep the Alabama offense off the field by moving the ball slowly but efficiently. The Tigers used that exact method to pull out a big upset in last year’s Chick-fil-A Bowl betting matchup against Clemson, running nearly 100 plays out of the spread formation. However, with only seven passing touchdowns all season long, is such a drastic turnaround possible for quarterbacks Kodi Burns and Chris Todd?
This looks like a walk in the park for the top team in the nation. It’s taken a while for this once-storied program to reach prominence again, but Alabama’s time is now. Auburn appears headed in the opposite direction and a complete overhaul of the playbook will be necessary before the Tigers return to the BCS picture.
BLAKE’S PICK: Assuming Alabama doesn’t overlook Auburn and focus on Florida, this one should never even be in question. If you bet sports, bet on the Crimson Tide.
For Rivalry Week previews, check out the Betting Edge, the home to NCAA football odds.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
