Alabama vs Auburn Betting Odds - Ingram, Crimson Tide run over Tigers in Iron Bowl
Alabama has been one of the top online betting favorites all season long, and they’ve already clinched their spot in the SEC title game. But first, they have their annual “Iron Bowl” meeting with Auburn, who will have revenge on their mind after being blasted at Alabama last year. However, with their strong running game and the nation’s best defense, the Crimson Tide will establish themselves as the dominant college football program in Alabama.
| Alabama vs Auburn betting odds: Alabama -12 |
| WHAT: NCAA football betting |
| WHEN: Friday, November 27, 2:30 PM ET |
| WHERE: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL |
| KEY STAT: Alabama is 3-0 ATS in 2009 |
| PICK: Alabama -12 |
Alabama vs Auburn betting odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
Not much more motivation is needed for the 74th “Iron Bowl”, and this is one of the most hotly contested rivalries in all of college football. The No.2 Crimson Tide (11-0, 7-0) ended a six-game losing skid in this series with a 36-0 pummeling in Tuscaloosa last year, and they’re aiming to keep their record clean ahead of their SEC championship showdown with Florida. The Tigers (7-4, 3-4) have lost four of their last six after winning their first five, and they’re basically playing for a better bowl.
Betting Edge: Alabama
Alabama vs Auburn betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
Mark Ingram came out of nowhere to be a Heisman darkhorse, and now it’s not even sure that he’s a longshot to win the NCAA’s most prestigious individual award. Led by Ingram, Alabama has the No.10 rushing offense in the nation, which takes pressure off quarterback Greg McElroy, who has been shaky at times.
The Tigers’ offense came out of the gate hot, but they slowed down when they got to the SEC portion of their schedule, especially on the road. Ben Tate has one 100-yard game in the last month, and quarterback Chris Todd has been inconsistent. A pair of picks by Todd hurt the Tigers badly in a 31-24 loss at Georgia two weeks ago.
Betting Edge: Draw
Alabama vs Auburn betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
The reason that Alabama hasn’t been an underdog in your sportsbook all season: defense. The Crimson are tops in the country, ranking second against the run and fifth against the pass. Only twice has a team scored 20 or more points on Alabama, who are powered by Rolando McClain and Terrance Cody.
The Auburn defense has big problems against the run, coming in 88th in rush defense. They gave up 169 yards on the ground against Georgia, and they’re not even sure if linebacker Eltoro Freeman will be able to go due to a concussion.
Betting Edge: Alabama
Alabama vs Auburn betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Crimson Tide managed to escape their 45-0 warm-up win over Chattanooga without any injuries, which was the main goal. Their defense has even managed to stay at the top without linebacker Dont’a Hightower (knee), who was lost back in September.
Safety Zac Etheridge (neck) was hurt against Ole Miss on Halloween, and Freeman (concussion) would also be a big loss to the Tigers.
Betting Edge: Alabama
Alabama vs Auburn betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Alabama has dropped their last three trips to Auburn, who are 6-1 at home this year. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban would like to avenge his 2007 loss to the Tigers, and they should have enough to even cover the double-digit spread. Alabama is 3-0 away from home against the spread this year, and with their Ingram-led running game should gash the porous Auburn run defense. The Tigers’ offense has played tough defenses like Tennessee and LSU on the road, but even at home, they’ve never seen anything like the Alabama defense.
BLAKE’S PICK: Alabama -12
For more sports betting tips and picks for “Rivalry Week”, bookmark Blake in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. For more on the Alabama vs Auburn betting matchup, check out our stats section.
