SEC Football: 5 most important SEC West games for 2017

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TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 26: Damien Harris #34 of the Alabama Crimson Tide attempts to break a tackle by Daniel Thomas #24 of the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Alabama at Auburn (Nov. 25)

The Iron Bowl is an intriguing game every single year simply because it is one of the greatest rivalries in college football. Throw in the fact that Alabama and Auburn are both preseason top-10 selections among multiple outlets and this season’s game is at Jordan-Hare and you have potentially the best SEC West game.

LSU and Auburn is intriguing for many of the same reasons as this game. Alabama and LSU is intriguing for the impressive defenses grinding it out. Alabama has a mobile quarterback with plenty of depth at running back. Auburn also has a mobile quarterback and a running back (Kamryn Pettway) who is difficult to bring down when healthy.

The last time Alabama lost to Auburn was in 2013 at Jordan Hare. Auburn had a mobile quarterback in Nick Marshall. Stidham probably isn’t the same athlete as Marshall, but he is a better passer.

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Both schools have new offensive coordinators. It remains to be seen how Alabama’s offense will change, but if Lindsey is given full autonomy, expect Auburn to throw the ball more than in previous seasons under head coach Guz Malzahn.

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