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Alabama Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

By Erich Hilkert

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Alabama Crimson Tide mascot Big Al waves a flag in the end zone during the second half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Alabama Crimson Tide mascot Big Al waves a flag in the end zone during the second half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 26: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Tray Matthews #28 of the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 26: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Tray Matthews #28 of the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

This game could go either way. However, Auburn hasn’t had a solid pocket passer since Cam Newton, the last time Auburn won a National Championship. It’s difficult to say if quarterback Jarrett Stidham can be the provide the same type of statistical boost, but the team has a lot of pieces to upset Alabama.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to see the team surviving a road trip to LSU against a tough defense in an even tougher environment.

Putting that aside, Auburn has Kamryn Pettway, a tough, physical back. He struggled last season against Alabama, but it was clear he was returning to action while not fully recovered from an injury. If he is healthy for this year’s game, he will be a vital part of the offense. Auburn’s offensive line is every bit as good as Alabama’s offensive line. Additionally, Auburn’s defense went under-the-radar last season and may surprise some people this season.

Expect new Auburn offensive coordinator to target Alabama’s secondary and pick apart at the secondary slowly, throwing in plenty of designed runs to mix things up.

In the end, expect a back-and-forth tilt similar to the 2013 Iron Bowl.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

Final Score: Auburn 31, Alabama 28 (11-1, 7-1 SEC)

Quick note: Despite a loss to Auburn, I still project Alabama to qualify for the College Football Playoff after winning the SEC. Very few teams run the table over the course of the season these days. Auburn returns to the Sugar Bowl with just two losses on the season.

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