2017 Iron Bowl Preview: Everything You Need To Know Before Kickoff
There couldn't be any more on the line when Alabama and Auburn square off in the 2017 Iron Bowl on Saturday.
College football's biggest rivalry game increased the stakes this year with an SEC Championship Game appearance on the line as well as a chance to play in the College Football Playoff.
So whether you're headed to the Plains or watching it from home, here's everything you need to know about this year's Iron Bowl.
No. 1 Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC) vs No. 6 Auburn (9-2, 6-1 SEC)
When: Saturday, November 25 at 2:30 AM/CT
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL
Weather: Forecasts are calling for beautiful weather for the game with mostly sunny skies and a high in the mid-60s. The temperatures might start dropping in the second half, but the game should finish in the high 50s.
TV: CBS (Play-by-play: Brad Nessler, color analyst: Gary Danielson, sideline reporter: Allie LaForce)
Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network (Play-by-play: Eli Gold, color analyst: Phil Savage, sideline reporter: Chris Stewart). Listen on 95.3 the Bear and Tide 102.9/100.9 in Tuscaloosa or on the station apps.
Spread: Alabama is a 4.5-point favorite over Auburn on Saturday. This is the tightest point spread since 2010. The Crimson Tide is 5-6 ATS this season.
Series History: The Iron Bowl will be held for the 82nd time this weekend with Alabama leading the series, 45-35-1. Auburn has the upper-hand in Jordan-Hare Stadium having won 8 of 13 games there, but the Crimson Tide has won three of the past four on the Plains. If Alabama can win on Saturday, it will be the first four-game winning streak for the Tide since Bear Bryant's 9-game streak from 1973-81.
This series was all orange and blue until Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa. He's won seven of 10 Iron Bowl games while Gus Malzahn is just 1-4 as head coach.
Last Meeting: Auburn entered the 2016 Iron Bowl trying to play the role of spoiler once again as No. 1 Alabama was eyeing another trip to the College Football Playoff. The Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the Tide scored the final 10 points of the first quarter. Jalen Hurts through two first-half interceptions to keep Auburn within four points at halftime. But Alabama would score on its first three possessions of the second half to take a 30-12 lead before running out the final nine minutes of the game with a 15-play drive.
For the game, Alabama outgained Auburn 501-182 after having a 21-minute time of possession advantage. Hurts finished the night with two touchdown passes and another score on the ground while ArDarius Stewart had a huge night with 10 catches and 127 yards.
Last Week: Both teams played non-conference opponents last week and didn't have much trouble. Alabama scored early and often against Mercer and rolled to a 56-0 win. Auburn couldn't shake Louisiana Monroe in the first half but would pull away in the second for a 42-14 win at home.