Friday, November 28, 2008

IRON BOWL WEEK!!!!

Sorry it has been a while since I have posted anything. I really haven't had anything to talk about in the past couple of weeks. Now, it is Iron Bowl weekend. How could I go through Iron Bowl Week without updating? I couldn't, that's why I am here. Let's look at the matchups this weekend, and see where the advantages are. I will let you decide.

Offense
What can I say about offense? It is pretty obvious who has the advantage. Or is it really as obvious as it seems on paper? Auburn is ranked 98th in the league in passing offense. That is horrible if you really think about it. You may be asking, where is Alabama ranked? They are 100th in the league. I know it sounds a little odd, but it is the truth. Rushing offense is where Alabama has a clear advantage. Alabama is ranked 23rd in this category where Auburn is ranked 64. Total offense, Auburn is ranked 98th and Alabama is 58th. While yes, Alabama does have an advantage on the offensive side of the ball, but it really isn't as much of one as you would think.

Defense
Defense is where this game starts to even out just a little. Rushing offense: Alabama is ranked 3rd, Auburn is ranked 45th. Advantage goes to Alabama there. Pass defense if very even. Auburn is ranked 26th in the league and Alabama is ranked 27th. No clear advantage there. In total defense, Alabama is ranked 3rd and Auburn 24th. Alabama has a small advantage in this category, but not big enough to make a difference this weekend.

Special teams
This is where most of the experts think the game will be decided. Both teams are good in this category, but who is the best? Net punting, Auburn is ranked 16th; Alabama is ranked 59th. Advantage goes to Auburn. Punt returns, Auburn is 14th; Alabama is 15th. Everyone is even there. Kick returns, Auburn is 4th; Alabama is 104th. Very clear advantage there for Auburn. The special teams advantage goes to Auburn.

Overall
I think from what we have looked at, Alabama has the overall advantage 2-1. Defense isn't much of an advantage at all. Auburn will have to stop the Bama rushing attack and put the game in JP's hands. If they can do that, and I think they will, they will be in very good position in the 4th quarter to upset the tide. Auburn's strategy should be to pin them deep on special teams, which is very likely with punter Clinton Durst a master hang-time artist punting for the Tigers, and force them into 3rd and long and not let that running attack get going. I believe this is going to be a very good game and the Tigers will be in position to win it in the 4th. My prediction: Auburn-24 Alabama 20.

This will make 7 in a row for Auburn and more to come. Sevenly will be heavenly!!! That's all I have for today, more 2mara after the biggest upset in Iron Bowl History!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!