Iron Bowl: Alabama vs. Auburn Predictions Against the Spread 11/25/17
Will the Auburn Tigers cover the point spread as a home underdog Saturday in the Iron Bowl versus Alabama?
The Odds: Alabama at Auburn, 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday
According to oddsmakers, the Tigers are now 4.5-point home underdogs versus the Crimson Tide. Auburn opened as a field goal underdog before the line moved. As for the total, the number hit the board at 50 but is down to 47.5.
Alabama is a perfect 11-0 on the season and 3-0 on the road. Auburn is 9-2 overall and 6-0 at home. From a betting standpoint, the Crimson Tide is 5-6 against the spread this season. The Tigers, meanwhile, are 5-4-2 against the number.
Alabama Crimson Tide Injury Report
The Tide will welcome back defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring), who is probable. That said, linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton is out with a knee injury and so is Brandon Kennedy (ankle).
Meanwhile, linebackers Christian Miller (biceps tear) and Terrell Lewis (elbow) are out for the season.
Auburn Tigers Injury Report
The Tigers are less banged-up than their counterparts today. Linebackers Deshaun Davis (ankle) and Tre’ Williams (undisclosed) are questionable while running back Kamryn Pettway (shoulder) remains out. Defensive end Byron Cowart is also out for the year.
Our Prediction
Getting Fitzpatrick back is huge for Alabama but the key injury is Hamilton. He sets the defense for Nick Saban and with him out, the Tide will rely on inexperienced linebackers to not be out of position. That’s a recipe for disaster against Gus Malzahn’s offense.
Betting against Saban is asking for trouble. That said, you can make a case that the wrong team is favored here. I’ll hedge and at least take the points with an Auburn team that is vying for a playoff spot. I believe this is one of the most vulnerable teams Saban has had and he has struggled against top Auburn teams in year’s past.
Iron Bowl Prediction: Auburn Tigers +4.5
