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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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Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) as he slides during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) as he slides during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama 

Foster will be the key man in stopping Pettway and the rest of the Auburn running game. If his form for the rest of the season is any indication, the superstar linebacker is more than up to the challenge.

It’s hard to pick exactly who is the best player on the Alabama defense, but Foster is certainly in the conversation. A terrific junior season in 2015 earned Foster a preseason All-American nod this year, and he’s been better across the board with 75 tackles, including nine for a loss, two sacks and two pass breakups.

Foster is generating plenty of NFL draft buzz due to his strong and versatile all-around game. While Foster is excellent in coverage and can be a force rushing the passer, his abilities play best in run defense, which will show in the Iron Bowl.

At 6-1 and 245 pounds, Foster’s combination of size and quickness is too much for many opposing blockers. Foster has shown a great ability to read plays and rarely misses tackles, which will be key against an Auburn offense that relies on a lot of misdirection and can generate splash plays in a hurry.

If Foster plays up to his usual standards, the Tigers’ offense is going to have a lot of trouble moving the ball. The Crimson Tide completely shut down one of the best rushing combinations in the nation earlier this season when they held LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice to 19 rushes for 37 yards in a 10-0 win.

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