Alabama VS Auburn: Iron Bowl 2011, Crimson Tide’s gateway to BCS title

Alabama vs Auburn football game showdown will provide us another the answer to another part of the question of which team will be in the BCS National Championship game on January 9, 2012. The Crimson Tide have the shot at history to face LSU Tigers again for the prestigious game. However, there is no certainty for that scenario to happen, most likely if the voters in the BCS will be favoring a rematch.

Alabama’s chance of getting back into the BCS title conversation entered into the picture when Oklahoma State, Boise State, Standford, Oklahoma, and Oregon have failed to do their part to create a win in the last two weeks. It paved the way for Alabama for that outside track to be manifested going to the BCS National Championship game.

Notwithstanding the fact that two SEC West teams will be yet in the road for a gigantic collision in January 9. It is in the hands of the Crimson Tide to show forth the care for this once in a lifetime opportunity to have a new lease on life after suffering a loss to the LSU Tigers few weeks ago.

In the past Iron Bowl, the Auburn Tigers pulled off a dramatic comeback from a 24-0 lead evaporated through the energetic performance of Cam Newton to a 28-27 score. It was the gatepass for the BCS title game and it seems that this Iron Bowl will be yet important game mostly for Alabama Crimson Tide.

Nick Saban knows exactly what is at stake in this SEC game and if his team wins, the conversation for the national BCS title starts with yet another controversy. Saban will have another shot for a the BCS title game.

Runningback Trent Richardson has shown to the world that he can win the Heisman Trophy this season because of his high caliber performances. Last year, the award evaded him but his chance for the trophy will be dependent on how he will carry his team in today’s game against Auburn.

Richardson rushed 236 times for 1,380 yards with 20 touchdowns to make a case for the Heisman Trophy. His power in pounding the ball on the ground has kept his team to be yet in a great position to be the second best team in the nation. Richardson will have a vital role for the Crimson Tide in beating the Tigers.

Last week in a win over Georgia Southern, Richardson had 175 yards for 32 carries to dominate the game. Also, Eddi Lacy rushed six times for 45 yards while Jalston Fowler rushed eight times for 41 yards.

Quarterback AJ McCarron completed 14 of 19 passes for 190 yards. Still, McCarron’s timely decision making will be needed especially when the game is on the line. However, his poise can be tested at certain points and he must deliver.

Alabama defense is one of the best in the nation. They will be applying pressure all the game throughout until they seize the victory. This is the moment for the Tigers to stay focus and to let not pass that big opportunity passes away. A must win for Alabama that will let them in into the BCS title game.

Brad Smelly contributed 58 yards, Brandon Gibson 49 yards, and Marquiz Maze for 44 yards in receiving as they were busy catching the passes of McCarron. Significantly, these players are the secondary weapons for the Crimson Tide because the running game will always be the priority.

For the Auburn Tigers, this game still matters to them but they will play as the biggest spoiler for the Crimson Tide. Yes, Auburn may not be in that BCS game but still their pride will be the determining factor to deny Alabama the second time in two years.

Runningback Michael Dyer rushed 30 times for 157 yards against Samford’s defense last week as the Tigers won 35-16. Onterio McCalebb had eight carries for 48 yards. With the running game, the Auburn Tigers will be fighting inch-for-inch against the tight defense of Alabama.

Alabama vs Auburn Iron Bowl football will be the marquee game in Saturday’s college football. Alabama Crimson Tide vs Auburn Tigers showdown starts at 3:30 PM ET and the tv channel coverage at CBS.

It is Alabama’s football game to lose. Will they make it it to the BCS title game against LSU?