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Alabama vs Auburn: 5 key players in Iron Bowl 2016

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) walks on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) walks on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Look for these five players to make the difference in Saturday’s Iron Bowl between the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 13 Auburn Tigers.

One of the best rivalries in sports is set to renew on Saturday when the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide host the No. 13 Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl.

The 2016 Iron Bowl figures to be as intense as ever, as both teams have plenty to play for. Alabama will be looking to keep its perfect record intact heading into the SEC Championship Game against Florida, while Auburn is probably headed to the Sugar Bowl if it can pull off the huge upset.

It’s been a great year for Gus Malzahn, who was squarely on the hot seat just two months ago. Auburn held off LSU in the last seconds back in September to begin a 7-1 stretch, with the only loss coming two weeks ago at Georgia.

Still, the Tigers face a very difficult task against Alabama, which is nearly a 20-point favorite. The Crimson Tide look to be well ahead of the rest of the nation, as they have only been seriously challenged by Ole Miss this season.

Auburn will have to find a way to compete in the trenches while limiting outstanding Alabama freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts. Look for these five players to make the biggest difference on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

5. Tre’ Williams, LB, Auburn

The Auburn defense has come a long way over the past two years and now ranks seventh in the country in scoring defense under first-year coordinator Kevin Steele at 14.7 points per game allowed. Alabama will be the biggest challenge the unit faces this season, but having Williams at full strength could provide a spark.

Following a solid sophomore season in 2015, Williams has emerged as Auburn’s top linebacker in 2016. Williams leads the unit with 55 tackles and has done a bit of everything with 3.5 tackles for loss, two pass defenses, a sack and a forced a fumble.

Unfortunately, Williams suffered an ankle injury against Ole Miss on October 29 that cost him the Vanderbilt came and has limited him since. The Tigers held Williams out last week against Alabama A&M likely for precautionary reasons, and expect him to play and be closer to full strength for the Iron Bowl.

That will be huge for Auburn, as Williams could play a big role in slowing down Damien Harris and the mighty Alabama running game while helping out in pass coverage. Tigers linebackers will also be tasked with preventing Hurts from breaking off any big runs should he escape from the pocket.

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