Tag: Alabama Football

Pat McAfee says Alabama, Kalen DeBoer ‘cannot’ lose to Auburn

McAfee gave his thoughts on the Iron Bowl on Saturday morning.

As you’d expect, the Iron Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers was talked about often during Saturday mornings edition of “College GameDay” on ESPN.

The rivalry game pitting the No. 13 Crimson Tide against the unranked Tigers, many members of the “College GameDay” crew gave their thoughts on this year’s version of the Iron Bowl, one of which was former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

Also in that group was Pat McAfee, who spoke in particular about what this game could mean for Kalen DeBoer in particular, saying:

“Kalen DeBoer, first year there filling in the boots of the GOAT,” McAfee said. “Probably not making the 12-team Playoff after everything they’ve done, and also, you can’t lose to Auburn at home in your first year if you’re trying to win over that fanbase, win over the boosters, win over everything. You’ve got to win this game, but they’ve got their work cut out for them. Against Oklahoma last week, they gave up 257 rush yards, and this crew (Texas A&M) got to see what Jarquez Hunter could do last week for that Auburn team. He went bananas vs. Texas A&M, so there is a road for Auburn to win.”

Will DeBoer get his first win over Auburn on Saturday? We’ll find out when Alabama and Auburn meet for the latest edition of the Iron Bowl, starting at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Nick Saban speaks on importance of Iron Bowl during ‘College GameDay’

The former Alabama coach shares his thoughts on Saturday’s Iron Bowl.

If there is someone who knows the importance of winning the Iron Bowl, it’s former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.

During his time in Tuscaloosa from 2007-23, Saban played numerous games in both Auburn and Tuscaloosa, seeing an extensive amount of success over both locations. Saban also has experience in some of the Iron Bowl’s biggest games, which include multiple with SEC and national title implications such as 2013, 2017, and more.

As part of ESPN’s “College GameDay” on Saturday morning as well, Saban commented on the Iron Bowl, in particular the importance of the game, as well as the task ahead of Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.

“There is a huge advantage for the home team in this game,” Saban said. “We were 7-1 when we played at Alabama, and we were like 5-4 when we played at Auburn. I think Kalen DeBoer has a huge job in front of him in terms of getting his players ready to play this game. They had College Football Playoff aspirations, and now that’s maybe not the case, but this game is really important to the people in the state of Alabama. When you’re born in Alabama, you have a birthright that you’re either going to be for Alabama, or you’re going to be for Auburn. You grow up that way with great passion, so this is a big game to a lot of people, and it’s a big game to the players.”

The latest edition of the Iron Bowl will kickoff Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

What is the Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry called?

The Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry goes back over 100+ years.

Set to be played this upcoming Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide vs. the Auburn Tigers is one of the greatest rivalries in all of college football.

Dating back over 100+ years, Alabama and Auburn have played some high-profile matchups in the rivalry’s history, with many meetings having stakes attached with both SEC and national championship implications.

Alabama vs. Auburn has also seen many of college football’s great players and coaches grace the field throughout the rivalry’s history, which includes Hall of Famers, Heisman Trophy winners, and more.

However, just what is the rivalry game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers called and why?

The Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry is known across college football as “The Iron Bowl,” and has held that name since the mid-1900’s when former Tigers coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan coined the phrase, which has stuck since.

Iron also plays a role in the name, as Birmingham, Alabama, which is where the game was initially played during the early days of the rivalry at Legion Field, is famous for its’ production of iron and steel.

The Iron Bowl is set to be played once again Saturday, November 30, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

The Iron Bowl: Best photos from Alabama vs. Auburn over the years

The Iron Bowl featuring Alabama vs. Auburn is one of college football’s top rivalries.

When it comes to college football rivalries, there are few, if any, better and more historic than the Iron Bowl.

Featuring the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers, the Iron Bowl has well over 100+ years of history between the two programs, taking place in multiple different cities from across the state of Alabama such as Auburn, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa.

These two programs have also played some of the sport’s greatest games over the years, with many of those meetings, especially over the last decade-plus, eventually going on to decide the SEC, as well as even national, champion multiple times.

So, before the Crimson Tide and Tigers renew their rivalry Saturday, let’s take a look back at photos from Alabama vs. Auburn in the Iron Bowl over the years:

Alabama football schedule: Are the Crimson Tide playing today? 

Is Alabama playing today? Here’s a look at the schedule and the games to come. 

Will the Alabama Crimson Tide be back on the field today in Week 14 of the college football schedule?

Following an upset loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman a week ago, the Crimson Tide are officially set to return to action Saturday afternoon at home for the regular season finale. This will come against the rival Auburn Tigers in the latest edition of one of college football’s top rivalries, the Iron Bowl.

The latest edition of the Iron Bowl, Alabama vs. Auburn will officially kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on either ABC or ESPN+, with the game taking place from Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Alabama football 2024 schedule

  • Aug. 31: vs. Western Kentucky (W, 63-0)
  • Sept. 7: vs. South Florida (W, 42-16)
  • Sept. 14: at Wisconsin (W, 42-10)
  • Sept. 28: vs. Georgia (W, 41-34)
  • Oct. 5: at Vanderbilt (L, 40-35)
  • Oct. 12: vs. South Carolina (W, 27-25)
  • Oct. 19: at Tennessee (L, 24-17)
  • Oct. 26: vs. Missouri (W, 34-0)
  • Nov. 9: at LSU (W, 42-13)
  • Nov. 16: vs. Mercer (W, 52-7)
  • Nov. 23: at Oklahoma (L, 24-3)
  • Nov. 30: vs. Auburn

Record: 8-3 overall (4-3 in SEC)

Clemson vs. Nick Saban led Alabama is the all-time College Football Playoff rivalry

With Nick Saban retiring, we reflect on the Clemson vs. Alabama College Football Playoff rivalry.

For a period of the College Football Playoff era, the question was, Clemson or Alabama?

There is no denying that in the early stages of the CFP era, the best-developed rivalry was the one between Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers and Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide. The two programs had some of the best battles you’ll see, and their history is intertwined together through these classic matchups.

Things look a lot different for both programs nowadays, with reports released that Saban will be retiring from football after what could be the best coaching career in college football history. It came as a shock to many, but Saban’s time as a coach has come to an end.

With Saban stepping away, we wanted to reflect on what is the best College Football Playoff rivalry of all time, Clemson vs. Alabama.

– Updated to add information 11/29

Alabama DB Malachi Moore accepts invite to Reese’s Senior Bowl

Malachi Moore set to attend Reese’s Senior Bowl to prepare for 2025 NFL draft.

Malachi Moore will always have a special place in Alabama Crimson Tide history as one of the foundational pieces who stayed during the transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer.

It has been an up-and-down season for the Alabama defense, but Moore has been as reliable as any player. Moore started as a true freshman in 2020 but didn’t consistently start for the Crimson Tide in some of the years following. He’s tallied 66 tackles on the year with two interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Moore will definitely be selected in the 2025 NFL draft, but he is more likely to be a mid-round pick. To improve his draft stock, Moore will attend the Reese’s Senior Bowl this Spring. Crimson Tide defensive backs have faired very well professionally, so I think someone will get a steal with Moore.

Moore and the Crimson Tide take on Auburn on Saturday in one last chance to salvage their Playoff hopes. With three losses, they are in serious jeopardy and will need an impressive win to convince the committee.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Roll Tide Wire Staff predictions for Alabama vs. Auburn in 2024 Iron Bowl

The Roll Tide Wire staff make their picks for the 2024 Iron Bowl.

One of the most anticipated games of the college football season has arrived. The Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers are set to collide in the 2024 Iron Bowl Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa.

This year’s version of the Iron Bowl is a significant one as both teams have something to play for Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC). Alabama can keep their slim chances at making the College Football Playoff alive, while Auburn has to defeat the Crimson Tide in order to make a bowl game.

It’s a truly must-win game for the Crimson Tide in which they must make a statement for the College Football Playoff committee. Here’s who our Roll Tide Wire staff has winning the 2024 Iron Bowl:

Matt’s Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 33, Auburn Tigers 20

Auburn has not come to Tuscaloosa and left with a win since 2010, which is when Cam Newton was under center at quarterback for a Tigers team that went on to win the national championship. Since then, the Tigers have lost a total of six straight in Tuscaloosa against the Crimson Tide, none of which were one-possession games.

While both teams have something to play for in this year’s meeting, the pick to win goes to Alabama, with a big reason as to why being the home-field advantage. Alabama needs an impressive win to keep their slim CFP hopes alive, and I’ll say that they get that victory Saturday afternoon.

Sam’s Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 35, Auburn Tigers 17

The Iron Bowl is far from an easy victory, especially given how the Tide performed a week ago. However, Jalen Milroe and the Alabama offense has had to listen to criticism from Auburn all week long. It will also be Alabama’s final chance to impress the committee and make the 12 team field.

Steve’s Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 28, Auburn Tigers 20

Predicting a winner here feels like a fool’s errand, especially with the performance we saw last week from the Crimson Tide against a five-loss Oklahoma team. I think Jalen Milroe and teammates come better prepared for this game and eager to put last week behind them. Still, Auburn isn’t as underwhelming as their 5-6 record might indicate. They proved that last week vs. Texas A&M. This is a team that could easily be 8-3 as well, had they gotten some breaks. I’ll take Alabama, if only because this game is at home, but I’ll need to see it to believe it.

‘College GameDay’ announces Rivalry Week location

Where will Nick Saban and College GameDay be Saturday? Here’s what you need to know.

It’s Rivalry Week in college football, and there are no shortage of appetizing games between bitter rivals in Week 14.

For ESPN’s “College GameDay,” the crew of Nick Saban, Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee will be at Kyle Field in College Station for the much-anticipated clash between the Texas Longhorns (10-1) and Texas A&M Aggies (8-3). ESPN made the announcement Saturday, Nov. 23.

It’s the second time this season that Texas A&M has hosted GameDay. The Aggies hosted the iconic pregame show in Week 1 when Mike Elko’s team squared off against Notre Dame.

Saturday will mark the first time that Texas and Texas A&M will play on the gridiron since 2011. The winner will play the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game. The SEC champion will receive a first-round bye in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Texas is No. 3 in the CFP rankings and US LBM Coaches Poll. Texas A&M is No. 20/No. 19. Kickoff for Texas-Texas A&M is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT. The game can be seen on ABC.

“College GameDay” begins broadcasting live at 8 a.m. CT on ESPN.

Alabama-Auburn, Michigan-Ohio State, South Carolina-Clemson meet in high-stakes Week 14 rivalries

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama takes on Auburn in the 89th edition of the Iron Bowl rivalry. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ABC with the broadcast crew of Sean McDonough on play-by-play and Greg McElroy on commentary.

The Crimson Tide (8-3) fell to No. 13 in this week’s CFP rankings after their 24-3 loss at Oklahoma. Auburn (5-6) defeated Texas A&M, 43-41, in 4OT last Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Ohio State (10-1) hosts Michigan (6-5) in Columbus in a game the Buckeyes are heavily expected to win for the first time since 2019. A win by Ryan Day’s team would set up a rematch with the No. 1 Oregon Ducks (11-0) in the Big Ten Championship Game, Dec. 7 in Indianapolis. Kickoff for Ohio-State Michigan is at 11 a.m. on Fox.

South Carolina (8-3) visits Clemson (9-2) in a top 15 matchup with both teams clinging to hopes of an at-large berth in the playoffs. Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are ranked No. 12 in this week’s CFP rankings, three spots higher than Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks. Clemson vs. South Carolina will kick off at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.

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USA TODAY Sports experts predict Alabama-Auburn winner in huge Iron Bowl showdown

Here’s who USA TODAY Sports experts think will win the 2024 Iron Bowl.

It’s officially Iron Bowl Eve. The 2024 edition of Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers features many storylines.

For Alabama (8-3 overall, 4-3 SEC), they’re hoping a once-promising season that saw them ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll after their thrilling 41-34 win over the Georgia Bulldogs on Sept. 28 doesn’t end in outright disaster under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer.

For Auburn (5-6, 2-5), the Tigers are in search of their first Iron Bowl win since 2019, and their first win in Tuscaloosa since 2010 when Cam Newton led an incredible 28-27 comeback after being down 24-0. More than that, Auburn can crush whatever faint hopes the Crimson Tide have of sneaking into the College Football Playoff.

As it stands, Alabama fell six spots to No. 13 in this week’s CFP rankings after an abysmal showing in a 24-3 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Week 13. Jalen Milroe was picked off three times, and the Crimson Tide failed to score a touchdown in a game for the first time since 2011. Alabama now needs a win over Auburn, plus some major help in the form of Top 25 upsets to reach the playoffs.

The Tigers scored their first upset of the year with a 43-41 4OT win over the Texas A&M Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn quarterback Peyton Thorne threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns, and senior tailback Jarquez Hunter rushed for three scores and 130 yards on 28 carries in the upset win over A&M.

RELATED: ‘College GameDay’ announces Rivalry Week location

On Wednesday, USA TODAY Sports’ college football experts released their predictions for every Top 25 team in Week 14, including Alabama. All six members of USA TODAY’s panel — Paul Myerberg, Dan Wolken, Eddie Timanus, Scooby Axson, Jordan Mendoza and Erick Smith — picked the Crimson Tide to beat Auburn.

Elsewhere, ESPN Analytics’ Matchup Predictor gives Alabama an 87.6 percent chance to beat Auburn at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Kickoff for Alabama vs. Auburn is set for 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will have the call of the game for ABC, which is televising its first Iron Bowl since 1994.

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