Alabama/Auburn: Too Much vs. Too Little

(AP Photo/Dave Martin)

When all the facts, stats, and cheap talk have been scattered across the table, I ask myself one single question:

Can Auburn compete with Alabama for an ENTIRE game? No.

Auburn lacks depth in critical areas and also lacks team efficiency in many critical areas.

When you look at Alabama, you see a superior football who could be destined for greatness come January. When you look at Auburn, you clearly see a mediocre team with sparks of greatness…but also signs of atrocious play.

The crowning achievement for the Auburn Tigers was obviously the “get off the canvas” win against Ole Miss. However, a home loss to Kentucky is a prime example of an incomplete mediocre team.

Alabama is quicker, more physical, and simply better. It has been very difficult for any team to compete with the Tide this season. The deciding factor for this game will have more to do with Alabama being superior…than Auburn being mediocre.

From a candid objective point of view, (and yes I can be objective) I honestly can’t foresee a situation where Alabama will lose this game. I can however see a scenario were Alabama is forced to pull away early in the final quarter (even though that is a stretch), but I can’t see a situation where Alabama is defeated by Auburn.

I’m afraid the BEST possible game played by Auburn, will still fall 9 or 10 points shy of Alabama.

Mark Ingram is simply too much, and the Auburn rush defense is simply too little. The Alabama defense is simply too much, and the Auburn total defense is simply too thin.

I could certainly be more detailed, but if you’re reading this content I’m quite confident you’ve heard all the media predictions, and the overall “tone” heading into Friday afternoon.

I’m not going to take “cheap shots” at Auburn, but the Tigers are clearly overmatched and undermanned. On the bright side, the Tigers are in the midst of a great recruiting class and will certainly be a top 20 team in a very short
time…baring an unforeseen disaster.

However, until Auburn can build a sturdy foundation for the future, “Black Friday” could take on a whole new meaning…come Friday afternoon.

When the "talking heads" (myself included) have spoken the final word, the game will be rather simplistic.

Alabama, like last season, is simply the better team, and Auburn like last season...is simply in the way.

ALABAMA 34 AUBURN 13