Let’s set the obvious aside. The Auburn offense and Alabama defense do not like each other. Now, with that said, time to delve inside the Alabama defense. The Crimson Tide ranks No. 28 nationally in total defense.
That figure takes into consideration passing/rushing yards combined. While concerning, aspects of the Alabama defense actually play into Auburn’s favor, and should help them on Saturday afternoon.
The Big Play
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In order to defeat Alabama or any other defense, you must generate big plays. In what feels like a relatively close game, Auburn needs to metaphorically punch Alabama square in the mouth. Whether a long pass or run, the Tigers offense must make the Tide feel their presence.
Bryant-Denny will be an electrically-hostile atmosphere for the men from The Plains. Hugh Freeze discussed the necessity of the big play during media availability.
“Usually, the biggest ones need to be called against the right coverages at the right time, without pressure,” said Freeze. “All those are, sometimes, a guessing game, but I think we do have a knack for having good designs for some.
“We will need those to go multiple drives. You are not going to drive the football 75 yards every time without some explosive plays. That will be a big part of winning in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.”
The Flaw in Broad Daylight
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For as formidable as the pass defense, the run defense looks rather shaky. Ranking 63rd nationally, the Tide will bend to a potent rushing attack. Five times during the season opponents run all over the defense for more than 150 yards, including a whopping 257 from Oklahoma last week.
This incarnation of the Crimson Tide front seven lacks the brutes along the defensive line to smother ball carriers. Jonathan Allen and Quinnen Williams won’t walk through the door on Saturday. A glaring weakness will see a team desperate to compensate.
Meanwhile, Jarquez Hunter will feast, or at least he should. With holes available, he can pick his spot, or cut back and make his own. In his last Iron Bowl, Hunter will want to take advantage of his ability to cut and get north/south in a hurry.
Take A Chance
As mentioned, Alabama struggles against the run but excels against the pass. They’re 17th in the country in passing yards allowed at 181.2. They’re No. 11 in the country with 14 interceptions. This falls completely on the shoulders of the secondary. Seven deep in the secondary allows the Tide to attack offenses, regardless of route, down or distance.
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The Bama will look for Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne to make a mistake. Thorne threw six interceptions in Auburn’s first-four games, but has thrown only two in the last six. That doesn’t mean Auburn should put the game in Thorne’s hands. Rather, Hunter should be the focus of the game plan.
Hunter’s running ability will force the secondary to creep up. A solid play action and vertical pass will bring success. Trust in the receivers’ ability after you trust in the safeties’ inability to not bite on a solid fake.
Bottom Line
Without monsters upfront, Auburn needs to freely run the ball with aggression. This will wear down a unit that’s displayed a lack of quality run support. Two dozen or more carries for the rushing attack brings defensive fatigue.
Furthermore, without a strong pass rush, Auburn needs to roll the dice and gamble against a stout secondary. Left on several islands, bolstered by the ground attack, Auburn’s offense stands on equal footing with the Alabama defense.
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced she approved a request for the Alabama National Guard (ALNG) to support operations surrounding the America 250 events in Washington, D.C.
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“One month from today, our nation will mark 250 years of freedom. Without hesitation, the Alabama National Guard is proud to support Freedom 250 events,” said Governor Ivey. “We live in the greatest state in the greatest nation on Earth, and I thank these Alabama patriots for answering the call to serve their country.”
As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, 150 Soldiers from the 123rd Quartermaster Company in Arab, Alabama will assist with support operations connected to major public events in Washington, D.C. These Guardsmen will work alongside the D.C. National Guard and civil servants throughout the U.S. National Capital Region in coordination with the National Guard Bureau.
“From the founding of our country to the freedoms we are still blessed to defend today, America’s 250th anniversary is a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice that make greatness possible,” said ALNG Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David Pritchett. “The Alabama National Guard is a proud part of that history and tradition, and we are honored to support all the people of the United States as our nation marks this monumental milestone.”
Alabama’s Soldiers are expected to arrive in Washington, D.C. before July 4 activities and serve a 90-day rotation.
Since 1807, the ALNG has served the state and nation in a dual-role: Defending against American enemies in combat and supporting civil authorities during national-level events and emergency response missions across the state and nation.
The Alabama Crimson Tide will host the St Johns Red Storm this weekend with a trip to Omaha for the College World Series on the line. The Tide swept through the Tuscaloosa Regional to advance while the Red Storm worked their way through the Tallahassee Regional as a four seed, beating host Florida State twice. The Super’s are a best 2-3 series and the teams will play Saturday at 8 p.m. CT, Sunday at 2 p.m. CT, and at to be determined time in the if necessary game on Monday. The Tide will host a Super Regional for the first time since 2006 and will playing to reach the College World Series for the first time since 1997. The Johnnies have a long baseball history, having been to six College World Series and have 28 Regional appearances. SJU last reached Omaha in 1980. Alabama has a record of 40-19 while St Johns is 36-24 after starting the season 1-10.
St Johns is on an eight game winning streak after sweeping through the Big East Tournament and the Tallahassee Regional. The Storm carries a team batting average of .282 with a .420 slugging percentage, a .380 on base percentage with 54 home runs, 102 doubles, have stolen 92 bases in 120 attempts, 272 walks, 69 hit batters, with 414 strikeouts. Defensively SJU has committed only 49 errors for a .978 fielding percentage.
On the mound the Red Storm has an ERA of 5.36 over 527 innings pitched and have allowed 546 hits and a batting average of .268 against. The staff has 433 strikeouts against 241 walks.
St Johns is on a roll, and can’t be taken lightly. However the Tide is a favorite in the series for a reason, and should be able to take care of business and earn that long awaited return to the Mecca of college baseball in Omaha. We will look at Alabama’s leaders on tomorrow.
Watch AL governor candidate Tommy Tuberville speak on election night
See Tommy Tuberville speak on election night in Alabama
The Alabama Republican Party will hold a hearing on June 14 on a challenge questioning whether U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville meets the state’s constitutional residency requirement to run for governor.
The challenge comes from former GOP primary candidate Ken McFeeters, who argues Tuberville has not been a resident of Alabama long enough under state law.
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McFeeters said he was notified Monday that the Alabama GOP steering committee will take up his residency at an upcoming hearing.
He has filed multiple challenges and a lawsuit contesting Tuberville’s eligibility, all focused on whether the senator meets Alabama’s seven-year residency requirement for governor.
Alabama Constitutional Residency Requirement for Governor
Under the Alabama Constitution, candidates for governor must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens for at least 10 years and residents of the state for at least seven years immediately before the election.
The dispute centers on whether Tuberville has maintained continuous Alabama residency under that standard.
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Tommy Tuberville’s Campaign response
Tuberville, a former Auburn University football coach who moved to Alabama in 1999, has said he meets all eligibility requirements.
His campaign has released redacted federal tax returns covering multiple years in response to McFeeters’ claims.
Campaign chair Jordan Doufexis said the evidence will show Tuberville has long met the state’s residency threshold.
“We will submit a comprehensive response… demonstrating that he is a resident citizen of Alabama,” Doufexis said, adding the campaign is confident in its legal position.
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Questions about Florida ties and past records
Tuberville’s residency has faced scrutiny for years, including reports citing ties outside Alabama.
Those reports have referenced a Florida driver’s license that remained active until 2023 and voting activity in Florida in 2018. Tuberville has pointed to Alabama property records and a homestead exemption tied to his family as evidence of residency.
McFeeters has also cited travel and expense records he says show Tuberville frequently traveled outside Alabama during the period in question.
The Alabama GOP previously rejected McFeeters’ residency challenge in February, allowing Tuberville to remain on the ballot.
Tuberville went on to win the Republican primary on May 19 with about 85% of the vote, easily defeating McFeeters and other challengers.
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What happens if Tuberville is found ineligible?
If the committee were to rule against Tuberville, McFeeters could potentially become the Republican nominee for governor in the November general election.
He would then face Democratic nominee Doug Jones.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.
