Wow, and the regular season comes to a close - first my apology for not showing for the past couple of weeks, a minor health issue now resolved helps me find my way back. Since last here, Bama of course continues to roll with wins over Miss State and SC Charlotte. Bama looked good in both - they seem very focused on the task at hand no matter who the opponent.

Though a couple of injuries have occurred along the way, the most impact would be Kenyan Drake, who broke his arm on special teams, making a tackle. Should Bama make it to the SEC Champ game, he may be good to go.

This week Bama is on the road in the Loveliest Village - to take on the Tigers of Auburn. The Iron Bowl... College footballs bigges rivalry :)
So here we are - Auburn can play the role of spoiler to keep Bama out of the hunt for the playoffs.

Looking at this one on paper, The Crimson Tide holds a decided advantage. However, as they say the game isn't played on paper. Alabama's D must avoid the big play from the Auburn O and expect them to pull out all the stops, with a nothing to lose and ever-thing to gain attitude. I suspect Auburn will try to pass to open the run. This group of Bama D-backs have matured a lot this year, and while I do believe they may give up the occasional toss and catch, I don't believer Auburn can be consistent. I believer this Bama front 7 is able to stop the run and pressure like no other Bama D Auburn has faced. Plus in the 5 games Alabama has won since Saban came on board the average score is Bama 42 Aub 14. In the 3 losses, the average score is Auburn 26 Bama 22. Either way I like Bama in this one to come on strong going away by as score of

Bama 40 - Auburn 20

ROLL TIDE !!!! 

Recap - Bama vs Tenn

Closer than most expected - Bama 19 Tenn 14 .  The biggest things in this game to me, -- Bama's last minute drive to take the lead - and the play of Jake Coker who was 21-27 for  247 yards.  Bama again looked great on defense, and though the score is not indicative, the Offense looks like they are finding themselves.  Also, I saw a team that looked tired, and at times flatfooted.... Hopefully the week off will refresh Bama with fresh legs and minds for the task at hand LSU.

 How many games of the Century can you have? Think back - Bama vs LSU a few years back - the game of the century - the rematch in the NC Game - Game of the century - and this Saturday - Bama ranked #4 and LSU ranked #2 in the first Playoff Ranking of the season, tee it up in Bryant Denny Stadium at 7pm on CBS.

Big game ?  You bet - ESPN College Game day will be in T-town for the 2^nd time this year.  As if the game itself were not enough - RAIN - yep, James Spann says the game will see rain, and possible TStorms. 

Stats - these two teams look so much alike - relying on Defense and the Running game - in fact when you look at the stats, it is almost like looking in the mirror.  

Clichés - Pick one - it applies.  And that said - Bama has a simple yet difficult task.  Stop the run on Defense, be able to run the ball on offense - avoid turnovers and win the game.  LSU, however has a lot to say about that.  The LSU offense hardly ever turns the ball over - in fact their QB has yet to throw an int. Very impressive.

If there is a chink in the armor of LSU, it is the same as the one in Bama's - the secondary.  LSU (like Bama D's of the past) is prone to have busted coverage, allowing teams to make and often score on those long plays.

As much as the RB's Henry and Fournette will have a big say in this game, Bama will need Jake Coker to be consistent - protect the ball and make some plays with his legs. 

My PICK

     Bama 26               LSU 22