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Alabama vs. Auburn: 5 reasons the Crimson Tide defeat the Tigers

By Adam Cox

Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn greet each other after the game at Jordan Hare Stadium. Alabama won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn greet each other after the game at Jordan Hare Stadium. Alabama won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) throws a pass against the UL-Monroe Warhawks during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Warhawks 58-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) throws a pass against the UL-Monroe Warhawks during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Warhawks 58-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Sean White

While Alabama enters the Iron Bowl relatively healthy, Auburn may not enjoy a similar state, even though the Tigers are getting healthier. After missing the past two weeks with a quad injury, Tiger RB Kamryn Pettway, the SEC’s former rushing leader is expected to return to the field.

Pettway may not return in 100 percent health, but the return of the explosive playmaker is key for an Auburn rushing attack facing what has been by far the country’s staunchest rushing defense.

Yet Pettway will most likely not make or break the game for the Tigers. That falls to Tiger QB Sean White, who missed Auburn’s game last week against Alabama A&M due to an injury to his right throwing shoulder suffered a month ago against Ole Miss and aggravated two weeks ago in the game against Georgia.

According to Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn it has yet to be determined if White will start against Alabama.

Without White, the Tigers are forced to start Jeremy Johnson at quarterback. Johnson started last year’s Iron Bowl and went 10 of 23 for 170 yards and one touchdown. He generally looked overwhelmed and overmatched by the Alabama defense. Auburn’s other option would be John White III,  who is extremely athletic but cannot throw.

Auburn’s best chance to improve their anemic passing offense and have any opportunity to upset the Crimson Tide is if White starts and plays well. Unfortunately for Auburn, it appears that even if White is able to play on Saturday, he will do so at less than 100 percent.

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