The Setup
Alabama Crimson Tide
Record: 9-2 (6-1 SEC)
Ranking: #10 AP
Stakes: Must win to keep playoff hopes alive
Auburn Tigers
Record: 5-6 (1-6 SEC)
Ranking: Unranked
Stakes: Playing for pride and spoiler role
Alabama's Playoff Predicament
The Crimson Tide's path to the College Football Playoff is precarious. At 9-2 with losses to Florida State and Oklahoma, Alabama needs a win over Auburn and favorable results elsewhere to secure a playoff berth.
The Oklahoma loss on November 15 (23-21) was particularly damaging, as it came at home and dropped Alabama behind other SEC contenders. With Texas A&M, Georgia, and Ole Miss ahead of them in the SEC standings, the Crimson Tide's margin for error is gone.
Alabama's Season Highlights
- Signature Win: 24-21 at Georgia (September 27)
- Other Quality Wins: Tennessee (37-20), LSU (20-9)
- Damaging Losses: Florida State (31-17), Oklahoma (23-21)
Auburn's Spoiler Opportunity
While Auburn's 5-6 record represents a disappointing season, the Tigers have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Playing spoiler to Alabama's playoff hopes would salvage an otherwise forgettable year.
Auburn enters the game with momentum after freshman quarterback Deuce Knight's record-breaking debut against Mercer. Knight accounted for 401 yards and six touchdowns, tying an Auburn school record and providing a glimpse of the program's future.
Auburn's Season Struggles
- SEC Record: 1-6 (only win vs. Arkansas)
- Close Losses: Missouri (23-17 in 2OT), Vanderbilt (45-38 in OT)
- Coaching Change: Hugh Freeze out, DJ Durkin serving as interim
Historical Precedent
Auburn has a history of playing spoiler in the Iron Bowl, even when the odds are stacked against them:
The Iron Bowl has never respected rankings or records. When these teams meet, anything can happen.
Key Matchups
Alabama's Defense vs. Deuce Knight
Alabama's defense will face its first test against Knight, who showed dynamic dual-threat ability in his debut. Can the Crimson Tide contain a mobile quarterback making just his second career start?
Auburn's Defense vs. Alabama's Offense
Auburn's defense has been respectable this season, ranking 31st nationally in points allowed (20.4 per game). However, they've struggled against elite offenses. Alabama's rushing attack, which produced 8 touchdowns against Eastern Illinois, could be the key to controlling the game.
The Intangibles
Home Field
Auburn hosts at Jordan-Hare Stadium, where they've pulled off memorable upsets before
Interim Coach
DJ Durkin is coaching for his future. Expect Auburn to be emotionally charged
Pressure
Alabama carries all the pressure. Auburn is playing with house money
Prediction
On paper, Alabama should win. The Crimson Tide are more talented, better coached (in terms of experience), and have more to play for in terms of tangible goals.
But this is the Iron Bowl. Auburn has nothing to lose and a chance to end Alabama's playoff hopes. Deuce Knight provides an X-factor that Alabama hasn't prepared for. And Jordan-Hare Stadium has been the site of too many upsets to dismiss Auburn's chances.
The Pick
Alabama 27, Auburn 24
Expect a close, hard-fought game that comes down to the fourth quarter. Alabama's experience and talent should prevail, but Auburn will make them earn every yard.
What's at Stake
For Alabama
Everything. A loss ends their playoff hopes and turns a promising first season under Kalen DeBoer into a disappointment.
For Auburn
Pride, momentum for the future, and the satisfaction of ruining Alabama's season. A win would be the highlight of a difficult year.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Iron Bowl has all the ingredients for a classic: playoff implications, a rivalry that needs no hype, and an underdog with nothing to lose.
Alabama should win. But should doesn't always matter in the Iron Bowl.
Kickoff is at 7:30 PM ET on ABC. Don't miss it.