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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; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) celebrates a quarterback sack on Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14, not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) celebrates a quarterback sack on Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14, not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn

Even if Pettway and Johnson are at full strength in the Auburn backfield, the Tigers still aren’t going to light up the scoreboard on Saturday. That’s going to put a lot of pressure on the Auburn defense, as the Tigers’ only chance may be to win a low-scoring slugfest.

If Auburn is going to limit Alabama’s offense, it will take a huge effort from Lawson. The junior defense end is one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the nation and has the ability to wreck an opposing gameplan.

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Following a strong freshman season in 2013, Lawson missed all of 2014 with a torn ACL and was severely limited by a hip injury last year. The long road back has been worth it for Lawson, as he has racked up 9.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss this season, which should earn him a high selection in the 2017 NFL draft.

Lawson’s main task will be to contain Hurts in the pocket, as Auburn can’t win with the freshman quarterback ripping off huge gains on the ground. That’s been a tough challenge for opponents this year, but Lawson has enough athletic ability to cause some problems.

The Tigers will also hope to generate some pass rush with Lawson leading the way. While Hurts hasn’t been too mistake-prone this season, his worst game of the year came against a LSU defense that was apply consistent pressure.

Of course, that’s easier said than done against Cam Robinson and the rest of the Alabama offensive line. Many believe Lawson hasn’t played his best football yet despite the productive season, so Auburn will look for some of that untapped potential to come out on Saturday.

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