Fansided

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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Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) carries up the field against LSU Tigers defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) during the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) carries up the field against LSU Tigers defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) during the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

4. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama 

The strength of the Crimson Tide remains a fearsome front seven and powerful running game. However, offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has also installed an explosive passing game that has helped Alabama rank 13th in the nation in scoring offense with 40.3 points per contest.

That’s even more impressive considering Howard, one of their top potential targets, is having a bit of a down year as a pass catcher. If Howard can be a factor on Saturday, it will only put more pressure on an Auburn defense that already has plenty to worry about.

Pundits around the nation consistently expected a breakout from Howard during his first two years with the Crimson Tide. At 6-6 and 242 pounds with explosive speed, Howard had the potential to be a nightmare matchup as a tight end and even drew some comparisons to the likes of Jimmy Graham.

That breakout finally came as a junior in 2015, as Howard racked up 38 catches for 602 yards and two touchdowns in the regular season. He really caught the country’s attention in the National Championship Game by torching Clemson for a Crimson Tide bowl record 208 yards and two touchdowns.

While Howard’s blocking has been an important factor in the run game, he only has 359 yards on 30 catches this season. Howard had easily his best game of the season two weeks ago against Mississippi State with six receptions for 77 yards and will look to build on that performance in the Iron Bowl.

Ardarius Stewart and Calvin Ridley will be stretching the field all game long, so adding Howard in could really stress Auburn’s defense. The Crimson Tide could use the boost, as they will face great defenses in Auburn and Florida over the next two weeks.

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