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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pettway (36) gets past Vanderbilt Commodores lineman Corey Agee (94) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Commodores 23-16. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pettway (36) gets past Vanderbilt Commodores lineman Corey Agee (94) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Commodores 23-16. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kamryn Pettway, RB, Auburn 

Auburn’s only hope of putting points on the board against the crushing Crimson Tide defense is a huge game from Pettway. That’s going to be a challenge, as the star running back is currently battling a leg injury.

After receiving no rushing attempts in two brief appearances as a freshman in 2015, Pettway has broken out in a major way this season. Pettway ranks second in the SEC in rushing with 1,106 yards on 173 attempts with seven touchdowns.

All of that production has come in just seven games, as Pettway would be further up the national leaderboards if it weren’t for injuries. Pettway has not played since November 5 against Vanderbilt, but Malzahn expects him to start in the Iron Bowl.

The Tigers will hope Pettway is close to full strength, as he is by far their best offensive weapon. At 6-0, 240 pounds with an aggressive running style, Pettway is a rare back with the physicality to stand up to the Alabama front seven.

It’s difficult to see where Auburn is going to generate offense if Pettway is limited. Kerryon Johnson has been productive with 823 rushing yards but is not 100 percent himself due to an ankle injury, while the Tigers may have to turn to backup quarterback John Franklin III or even Jeremy Johnson if Sean White is not ready to go.

Home/College Football