Saban and Malzahn Expect Another Intense Iron Bowl

One thing Nick Saban and Gus Malzahn both agree upon.

The Alabama-Auburn game is the best rivalry in college football.
Said Malzahn,"It’s Auburn and Alabama. It’s 365 days a year."

Added Saban,"You just know there’s a special level of intensity that goes with playing in a game like this. Both sides are going to have it, and that’s what makes it a great football game."

  One year ago, the Tide and Tigers may have had the greatest ending in college football history with the ‘Kick Six.’

Both Saban and Malzahn are trying to downplay the 2013 Iron Bowl.

Said Saban,"We all kind of remember what happened. Not just the last play, but the last five minutes of the game that we never ever really finished the game."

Added Malzahn,"I know it doesn’t distract us. It’s a new year. This is a new team just like there’s a new team."

   No miracle finishes for Auburn this year, as they enter the Iron Bowl with an 8-3 record.

Reporter-"Do you feel like your guys have the same level of confidence that they had just a few weeks ago?"

Said Malzhan,"We went through some tough times, but this is the Iron Bowl. I expect our guys to be ready to play. I know they’re excited to play."

   The matchup should be fun. Bama leads the SEC in rushing defense, while Auburn leads the SEC in rushing offense.

Said Malzahn,"To be able to beat a team like this, you’re going to have to be able to run the football."

Added Saban,"This is a very, very challenging offensive team to defend in the way they play offense, and the way they execute their offense."