Auburn-Alabama Betting Preview

The 85th Iron Bowl has plenty of storylines this year starting with the absence of Alabama head coach Nick Saban from the sidelines as he recovers from COVID-19. Add to that the revenge the Crimson Tide will be seeking following last year's 48-45 loss to Auburn that eliminated Alabama from playoff contention, and you have plenty of high drama in the making. Kick off is 3:30 ET at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Even without Saban, the Tide (7-0) look formidable once again this season. They've won every game by double digits and have outscored their last two opponents (Mississippi State and Kentucky) by a combined 104-3 margin. QB Mac Jones has the offense firing on all cylinders with the third-highest ppg (49.4) in the nation. Jones should get plenty of help from RB Najee Harris (FBS-high 16 rushing TDs) and WR Davota Smith (65 catches, 10 TDs).

Gus Malzahn's squad has its work cut out coming even close to pulling off last year's upset. But the Tigers (5-2) are heading in the right direction following a rough 2-2 start that included a loss to South Carolina. Since losing to the Gamecocks, Auburn has reeled off three straight wins with the biggest coming against LSU, 48-11, on October 31. QB Bo Nix has done a good job regaining control of the offense, throwing for over 1,600 yards and 10 TDs against only 5 picks. 

Dunkel's Pick:

The Vegas oddsmakers don't see much of a battle here and have Alabama listed as a 23.5-point favorite. While Dunkel agrees the final margin should be double digits, we are backing the Tigers with the Crimson Tide calculated as only 17 points stronger. Dunkel also has the final score going slightly over the Vegas number of 62 with a calculated point total of 63.215. 

Dunkel's Pick: Auburn (+23.5); Over

To get all of today's NCAA Football picks, click on the Football heading above.