GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: To beat Alabama, it’s imperative to have a dynamic quarterback — at least one that can make something out of nothing. Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in last year’s win over the Tide, as he was sacked only once and was an efficient 21-of-28 passing for 237 yards. His feet will be important to keep Alabama off balance, but his big arm will also come into play as opponents have tried to take aim at the Tide’s cornerbacks (with only limited success). Patrick Surtain II and Saivion Smith will have to hold up on deep throws to Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz.
DRAFT SLANT
–DT Quinnen Williams is listed as the No. 2 pick in a recent mock draft by NFLDraftScout.com’s Rob Rang, who wrote: “‘Big Q’ has been the most dominant draft-eligible prospect in the country this season, ruining opponent’ game plans with his upfield burst and power.” Williams has 55 tackles, including 15 for loss and six sacks, to go along with nine quarterback hurries.
“It’s cool,” he said at BamaCentral.com of all the attention. “It’s not a distraction to me right now, but it’s cool to have my parents and my grandmother to be proud of me and watch stuff. But I really don’t look at it. I make sure I’m focused on my team, focused on the defense itself and just focused on what we have at stake.”
ROSTER REPORT:
–RB Damien Harris was in concussion protocol early in the week after suffering the injury against The Citadel on Saturday.
–LG Deonte Brown, a starter, did not play last week because of a turf toe injury, but he was doing drills at practice Monday.
–RG Alex Leatherwood, a starter, suffered an ankle injury last week and was limited early this week. Coach Nick Saban said Monday: “Alex Leatherwood is better.”
–CB Trevon Diggs, a starter, is out indefinitely because of a fractured foot.
–CB Jalyn Armour-Davis, a freshman who was the fifth cornerback on the depth chart, is out for the season because of a knee injury.
–S Daniel Wright, a sophomore, is out for the season because of a shoulder injury.
–OLB Terrell Lewis suffered a torn ACL over the summer during a workout and is working to get back this season. He was limited to four games because of an arm injury last season and was expected to be a key part of the OLB rotation.
–OLB Chris Allen, a sophomore, is out for the season because of a knee injury.
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