Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn celebrates a touchdown against Georgia during the second half Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
Julie Bennett
No. 6 Auburn hosts No. 1 Alabama in the Iron Bowl on Saturday with the winner advancing to the SEC Championship.
Several key factors will decide what is widely expected to be an evenly matched game.
Here are eight reasons why Auburn will win the Iron Bowl.
By James Crepea | jcrepea@al.com
Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) warms up before the Mississippi State game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
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Jarrett Stidham can stretch the field
Auburn is the more explosive offense entering the Iron Bowl and it's because of Stidham's ability to throw the ball deep.
The Tigers are far more productive in the vertical passing game this season, with 18 throws over 40 yards compared to eight a year ago.
However, Alabama has allowed just one throw over 40 yards this season, though the Crimson Tide has not faced a quarterback as good as Stidham.
Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson (21) pushes past Georgia inside linebacker Roquan Smith (3) during the second half Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
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Kerryon Johnson's tenacity
Johnson leads the SEC in rushing and is on the fringe of the Heisman Trophy conversation because of the ruthless running style he's displayed in recent weeks, particularly against Georgia.
The junior running back has rushed for 100 yards in six of the last seven games. If he can do it against Alabama's rush defense, which is No. 2 nationally, Johnson may propel Auburn to a win and be in the thick of the Heisman race.
Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele talks to defensive back Stephen Roberts (14) before the Texas A&M game Saturday Sept. 17, 2016, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
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Kevin Steele's defensive prowess
Auburn's defense has turned into an elite group under Steele, who is a semifinalist for the Broyles Award. The Tigers rank in the top 20 nationally in nearly every major statistic.
Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown (5) and linebacker Jeff Holland (4) pressure Ole Miss quarterback Shea Patterson (20) during the first half Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
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Defensive line
Jeff Holland is a dominant edge rusher, though with a dual-threat quarterback the plan may be to keep Jalen Hurts in the pocket than to overcommit to pass rush.
The interior of Auburn's defensive line is where the game could be determined. Dontavius Russell and Derrick Brown are having career years and if they are able to plug the holes Alabama wants to run through inside, Auburn could force Hurts to throw a lot.
Auburn defensive back Carlton Davis (6) and Auburn linebacker Tre' Williams (30) stop Georgia tailback Nick Chubb (27) during the first half Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
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Secondary can play downhill
Calvin Ridley is a major threat at receiver and Carlton Davis will likely draw that matchup.
But Alabama is not a particular play in front of them for most of the game.
Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses (18) gets set during the first half of the Alabama vs. Mercer football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Alabama's depleted linebacker corps
Alabama's linebacker corps has suffered numerous injuries this season and against an Auburn team that's strong at running the ball, it would prove critical.
Auburn has been able to rotate in different offensive line personnel, many of whom have far greater experience than Alabama's linebackers as well.
Auburn kicker Daniel Carlson (38) makes a field goal against Missouri Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, during the first half at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo.
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Daniel Carlson
Carlson is one of the best kickers in college football and provides a huge advantage once Auburn is in opposing territory.
His touchback percentage on kickoffs is great as well and forcing Alabama to start with a long field will be important.
Auburn linebacker Tre' Williams (30) and Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) celebrate with fans in the stands after the victory over Georgia 40-17 Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
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Home field
Jordan-Hare Stadium was raucous against Georgia and will be even more intense for the Iron Bowl.
The Plains is always loud for a big game, but Saturday could be seismic much in the way it was in 2013.
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