How Auburn’s Defense Attacked the Alabama Offense in the Iron Bowl

With a game standing in front of a bowl bid, Auburn Tigers Alabama must find a way to contain its offense. Despite three losses, the Crimson Tide remain a serious threat with the ball. Essentially, their offense determines whether they can win Saturday’s game.

Yes, anyone with functioning synapses understands exactly how explosive the Alabama offense could be. They know too Oklahoma held them to just three points last week. Offensive inconsistency is a big part of them First three-loss season in 15 years.

So how will Auburn attack them? Yes, attack. When playing an offense that can score from anywhere on the field, passivity leads to losses. As a result, the Tigers will need to impose their will on Alabama.

Milroe Problem

No doubt, Jalen Milroe He offers the best combination of arm talent and athleticism the Tigers will see all season. Milroe has the arm strength to throw any throw up the route tree. Milroe, who finished third in Heisman voting last year, has suffered a setback in 2024.

Even though he completed passes at roughly the same rate, his interceptions increased significantly while his touchdowns dropped. There was Milroe 23 passing touchdowns against six interceptions Last season, however, he threw just 15 touchdowns compared to 9 interceptions in 2024.

All the skills are there but teams want to put more pressure on him. This doesn’t always mean sack, but it does mean disposable and interventional.

The Tigers are averaging over 2.5 sacks per game. To do this, he will squeeze the ball and rush onto the field. Milroe’s 17 rushing touchdowns more than make up for his struggles this year. This is where Jalen McLeod’s presence will send him in the opposite direction.

Keldric will not leave Faulk’s side anywhere, so Demarcus Riddick needs to step up the tackle. Hugh Freeze mentioned Milroe during media availability.

“You’re looking on the bright side. Milroe’s Freeze, that’s what he can do,” he said. “Hopefully we get the lesser version. In a game like this I would think: I don’t know him personally but everything you see he’s made of the right stuff and he’s competing at a very high level in some of the biggest games.

“I think he’ll be determined to come back. So I think we need to plan to be at his best. I’m sure they’ll use him as a runner. That’s when he’s the most dangerous, and we’ve got to have a plan for that.”

Subdue Ryan Williams

While this incarnation of the Crimson Tide doesn’t boast an overwhelming number of elite expansions, Ryan Williams Ensures that there is at least one person in the team. Ironically, during Thanksgiving week, the freshman brings a bounty of gifts to the game.

First, look at its balance. Getting dangerously close to the sideline after the catch, Williams finds a way to walk the tightrope while rattling defenders as he heads toward the sideline. He will then bring the ball forward in traffic and make big catch after big catch.

Most importantly, Williams separates easily from opposing corners. Auburn needs to pressure him and roll the safety towards him. Make every catch moot.

In conclusion

Alabama’s offense can still score points by the bushel despite a lack of depth and a quarterback lacking passing confidence. Under these circumstances, Auburn matches up favorably.

From the pass rush to the run, stop and coverage, the Tigers don’t look overwhelmed at any of the three levels. Beating Ryan Williams after the catch and pressuring Jalen Milroe will see the result be a success for the visiting Tigers.