The 2024 Iron Bowl, featuring the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers, is set to take place on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Central Time, with national broadcast coverage on the ABC network.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama has experienced a season of highs and lows. A recent 24-3 loss to unranked Oklahoma has likely eliminated them from College Football Playoff contention. However, the team remains motivated to finish the season strong, especially against their in-state rivals.
Auburn Tigers: Led by head coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn enters the Iron Bowl with a 5-6 record, needing a win to achieve bowl eligibility. The Tigers are coming off a thrilling 43-41 four-overtime victory against No. 15 Texas A&M, showcasing their resilience and offensive capabilities.
Alabama: Quarterback Jalen Milroe has demonstrated dual-threat abilities throughout the season but struggled in the recent loss to Oklahoma, throwing three interceptions and recording only seven rushing yards. His performance will be crucial for Alabama’s offense against Auburn.
Auburn: True freshman wide receiver Cam Coleman has emerged as a significant offensive threat, with back-to-back 100-yard, two-touchdown performances. His chemistry with quarterback Payton Thorne could pose challenges for Alabama’s
Alabama’s Defense vs. Auburn’s Offense: Auburn’s running back, Jarquez Hunter, has been a consistent performer, amassing 1,174 rushing yards and eight touchdowns this season. Alabama’s defense, ranked 63rd nationally against the run, will need to contain Hunter to limit Auburn’s ground game.
Auburn’s Defense vs. Alabama’s Offense: Auburn’s defense has shown vulnerability, particularly in the secondary. Alabama’s receiving corps, despite recent struggles, has the talent to exploit these weaknesses if Milroe can deliver accurate passes and avoid turnovers.
Analytical models favor Alabama in this matchup. The SP+ prediction model projects a 34-18 victory for the Crimson Tide, giving them an 84% chance of winning. However, rivalry games often defy expectations, and Auburn’s recent surge in offensive production suggests this could be a closer contest.
Given Alabama’s home-field advantage and overall talent, they are favored to win. However, Auburn’s determination to secure bowl eligibility and their recent offensive momentum could make this Iron Bowl a tightly contested game.