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5 Teams who could beat Alabama in 2017

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scores on a 25 yard touchdown past Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scores on a 25 yard touchdown past Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jovon Robinson follows the block of lineman Braden Smith (71) as he blocks Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Adonis Thomas (17) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jovon Robinson follows the block of lineman Braden Smith (71) as he blocks Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Adonis Thomas (17) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Auburn Tigers

Auburn looked like they might be the only team that could have beaten Alabama in the regular season at one point. Injuries to key starters running back Kamryn Pettway and quarterback Sean White, derailed the Tigers in the Iron Bowl. Auburn has plenty of returning starters in 2017, despite losing some key players on defense and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, the Tigers will still be competitive, if not outright sneaky, much the same as they were in 2016.

Alabama and Auburn is almost always a competitive matchup and with Auburn hosting the Iron Bowl, they get a home field advantage boost. If Sean White and the Tigers offense can get more consistent and more dangerous then they should be able to move the ball on Alabama. Auburn’s defense should be good again, but defense wasn’t the problem in 2016 against the Crimson Tide, the offense was. While White will need to play well, the run game has to be explosive. Alabama will be rebuilding their defensive line in 2017, even at the end of the season a strong run game can trump inexperience along the line. While having White at quarterback should help, running the ball might be what Auburn does better.

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