BCS National Title Hopes On The Line For Alabama Crimson Tide

Sports News - November 25th, 2009 - Written by Jimmy

No. 2 Alabama knows what is at stake against their in-state rival Auburn on Saturday. They have already established their position in the SEC title game, but a loss to the Tigers would end any hope of an opportunity for a shot at the national title. The Crimson Tide had a warm up to their final regular season game last weekend against Chattanooga and went on to improve their record to 11-0. Fortunately for Auburn, they have had a week to rest and regroup after enjoying a bye week last weekend. The Tigers are coming off a big 31-24 loss against Georgia two weeks ago. Their explosive offense will face a huge test against one of the nation's toughest defenses, but a win over Alabama would prove to be a distant reminder of their loss two weeks ago according to linebacker Craig Stevens.

“You can always make up for any loss you have by winning this game,” Stevens said. “No matter how the season goes, you win this game and it makes everything seem so much better. This game means a lot for the whole organization.”

Running back Ben Tate will be crucial to the success of the Tigers. He is coming into the game with 1,209 yards and 8 touchdowns and will face a tough Alabama rush defense. Quarterback Chris Todd will also be challenged. He has thrown for 2,196 yards and 19 touchdowns, but can find an advantage against facing Alabama in the comfort of his own stadium. The Tigers' rush defense has experienced problems all season and will now face one of the Heisman candidates in Alabama running back Mark Ingram. Starting linebacker Elton Freeman is questionable for Saturday's Iron Bowl after suffering a concussion against Georgia which could be a huge loss, but fellow linebacker Craig Stevens has faith in Freeman's replacement Jonathan Evans.

“We had faith in Jonathan,” Stevens said. “We talked to him on the sidelines and tried to help him get aligned and just calm down out there and play just like practice. He did OK out there. He’s not like Toro out there. Toro has a lot more experience than him out there. I feel like he did all right once he got out there. He did better than I thought he would.”

Ingram will be key for the Crimson Tide offense. They have not dominated on this side of the ball this year and have been aided by their stout defensive play. Quarterback Greg McElroy will need to just manage the game effectively and avoid any costly turnovers that could prove to haunt them.

College Football Betting Lines show Alabama to enter the game as 10 point favorites over Auburn on Saturday according to Betus sportsbook.

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