Alabama Football: Updated game-by-game predictions for 2020

The 85th Iron Bowl will be one of the most significant games, not only in the SEC but to the entire nation. This could be the game that will determine who will go to the SEC Championship and it could be a deciding factor for potential College Football Playoff spot favor.

Last season, the Tigers beat the Crimson Tide 48-45 in Auburn from two pick-six plays. The Crimson Tide let emotions and injuries get to the best of the team as the Tigers thrived off both to upset the Tide. Alabama has won eight of the last 12 matchups, but the Tigers have won two of the last three.

This will be another crucial season for the Tigers as they return only three offensive starters and four defensive starters from last year. Although the nine wins and Iron Bowl victory was huge, they didn’t end the season in a positive note as they lost to Minnesota 31-24 in the Outback Bowl.

While Tigers quarterback Bo Nix will be more productive due to his experience, the lack of a full supporting cast will not able to catch Alabama’s defense off guard again. This game will be a huge game for the Tide’s offense especially with the passing offense led by wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle.

Final Score: Alabama 36, Auburn 30 (9-0)

The Alabama Crimson Tide will close out the season against the weakest team in the SEC West. Arkansas has not been able to account for a season over four wins since the 2016 season. The last time the Razorbacks beat the Crimson Tide was in 2006 when they beat Alabama 24-23 in Fayetteville.

The Razorbacks have allowed the Tide to score at least 41 points in the previous four matchups. Defensively, the Razorbacks have a disaster as they were worst-ranked scoring defense, rush defense, and total defense in the SEC this past season. They are expected to get better with a better defensive coordinator in Barry Odom creating the spark for the Razorbacks.

This will be the first time that the Crimson Tide and the Razorbacks will play in November in their 28-game history. This was one of the most surprising matchups for the Crimson Tide because they will not play Auburn in the last regular-season game of 2020.

As long as the Tide remain focused after their big victory over Auburn, they should have no problem taking down the Razorbacks. If Najee Harris has created any steam for the Heisman Trophy race, this will be the last regular-season performance for him.

The Razorbacks, despite some talent at the linebacker corps, are not expected to be efficient enough to stop him from having a multiple touchdowns and a 200-yard performance.

Final Score: Alabama 49, Arkansas 10 (10-0)