College football鈥檚 top 5 matchups of Week 13
5. No. 8 Alabama vs. Auburn – Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Although Alabama will come into this one as a sizable favorite, the Iron Bowl always seems to produce a drama-filled game no matter where both teams are ranked. The storied rivalry is one of college football鈥檚 oldest as it dates back to 1893, with the teams doing battle 87 times over the years. The Crimson Tide lead the series with 49 wins in those games and have controlled the rivalry in the Nick Saban era, beating Auburn 11 of the last 15 seasons.
This year, Alabama will come into the Iron Bowl absolutely needing a victory. The Crimson Tide have already locked up a spot in the SEC Championship game next weekend against Georgia by going a perfect 7-0 in the SEC, and 10-1 overall, losing only to Texas back in September. However, a loss would be a devastating blow to the Crimson Tide鈥檚 College Football Playoff hopes. Auburn will likely hang tough, but Alabama has really come on as of late thanks to a top-20 total defense, as well as a top-20 scoring offense that has emerged behind Jalen Milroe.
Meanwhile, Auburn鈥檚 season has gone in the opposite direction. After starting 3-0, the Tigers lost four straight games in the SEC to the likes of Texas A&M, Georgia, LSU and Ole Miss. It seemed things were turning around recently after three straight wins, but the Tigers suffered a somewhat shocking defeat at the hands of New Mexico State last weekend. To pull off an upset, Auburn will have to improve its defense and rely on its rushing attack led by Jarquez Hunter. It seems unlikely, but anything can happen when these teams get together.
