Defense Should Dominate This Year’s Iron Bowl

The Iron Bowl nickname is fitting for this year’s edition of the Alabama-Auburn rivalry.
Both teams have iron-tough defenses, so we should see a physical, low-scoring showdown.
For the Alabama-Auburn rivalry, it’s best for both teams if they just don’t check their phones.
Said Auburn linebacker Tre Williams:”My Godfather actually sent me a picture of Saban’s statue to my phone the other day. He just sent it. I already know what it meant. He’s just ready for the game.”
Said Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee:”The atmosphere from the time you get off the bus to pregame to during the game. Yeah it’s a heated rivalry, but there’s a respect factor from both teams too that’s different from most.”
Lot of respect for both defenses.
Auburn’s defense has not allowed a touchdown in their last two games.
For Bama, their streak is three games.
Reporter:”You know today marks one month since you guys last gave up a touchdown?”
Said Bama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick:”Really. That’s pretty cool.” (chuckles)
Reporter:”What does that mean to you I guess?”
Said Fitzpatrick:”Just means that we are doing our job.”
Said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn:”This may be the best pass rushing unit since I’ve been playing Alabama. They really do a good job, especially when they know it’s a passing situation of harassing the quarterbacks.”
Said Bama head coach Nick Saban:”Their defense has been probably as good as any defense we’ve played against all year long. They’re very good up front. They’ve got good pass rushers.”
The Tigers get the S-E-C’s second leading rusher back in Kamryn Pettway.
Said Malzahn:”He’s one of the best running backs in all of college football and one of the best in our league. Anytime you have a guy like that back, it changes things. It changes things in a good way for us.”
Top-ranked Alabama is favored by more than two touchdowns.
Said Williams:”It don’t matter who they’ve beat or who they’ve played, on Saturday they play the Auburn Tigers.”
You can see the Alabama-Auburn game Saturday at 3:30pm on News 12 Now.