The Auburn Tigers (5-6, 2-5 SEC) will be in Tuscaloosa for a challenge against the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-2, 5-2) for the latest edition of the Iron Bowl Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Auburn vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
When it comes to the Iron Bowl, you throw out the records. Considered one of the best rivalries in college football, Auburn and Alabama want to crush the other into oblivion, especially this one week of the year.
In 2021, Auburn almost knocked Alabama from a playoff spot but came up short in a 4-overtime, 24-22 loss. Most remember the “kick 6” in 2013 when Auburn CB Chris Davis returned an Alabama missed 57-yard field-goal attempt for a touchdown on the final play of a 34-28 Tigers victory. Davis caught the ball in front of the goal posts, but it was considered a 100-yard return according to NCAA rules. This game is always contentious and rarely does it disappoint those who watch.
Saturday, Alabama hopes to keep its slim playoff chance alive. While the Tide are No. 7 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports, they’re also 7th in the College Football Playoff Rankings. They have to jump 3 teams to get into the desired top 4 for the playoffs.
Auburn is looking to win one for interim coach — former player and fan favorite — Cadillac Williams, who moved into the position from running backs coach when Bryan Harsin was fired in late October after a 3-5 start. Williams has brought a sense of confidence and determination to the Tigers, something which was severely lacking in recent years. Unfortunately for Auburn fans, this confidence may not be enough vs. Alabama with the Tigers down several offensive linemen and a defense which has struggled all season.
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Auburn at Alabama odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:52 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Auburn +950 (bet $100 to win $950) | Alabama -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Auburn +22.5 (-110) | Alabama -22.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -111 | U: -109)
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Auburn at Alabama picks and predictions
Prediction
Alabama 33, Auburn 26
Moneyline
PASS.
Alabama (-2000) is far too expensive of a ML favorite to wager on. Auburn (+950) offers excellent value, and I’m willing to put $10 on it for fun — it would profit $95 — but it’s not likely to hit. The smarter bets would be on the spread or total in this game.
Against the spread
BET AUBURN +22.5 (-110).
No matter how good or bad these teams are, this game is a challenge. It leads to pride in the state and both teams want to beat the other.
In 2021, as 20.5-point underdogs, the Tigers took the eventual national runner-up Crimson Tide to 4 overtimes before a decision not to go for a 2-point conversion cost the Tigers a chance at victory.
While this game may not be as thrilling as 2021, Auburn will play hard for coach Williams and will keep this one closer than the experts think. AUBURN +22.5 (-110) is my FAVORITE PLAY in this matchup.
Over/Under
BET OVER 49.5 (-111)
In 3 of the last 5 head-to-head meeting, this total would have hit. Last season’s 24-22 game is 1 of the 2 which would not despite going to 4 overtimes.
But both teams are different this season. The normally stout Alabama defense is lacking bite this season and Auburn, due to bad recruiting and injury, lacks a strong defense, too.
QB Bryce Young and DE Will Anderson, both juniors, are likely playing their final game at Alabama. Without a playoff berth, it’s possible both sit out a bowl game. While not seniors, both will want to star in their final dances at Tuscaloosa in front of the home fans.
Alabama scoring in the 30’s to 40’s is not out of the question. Auburn is less of a certainty to score, but with the emotion in this game, I’m going to venture that the Tigers will keep up for a while.
Give me OVER 49.5 (-111) to hit in this one.
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