Alabama opens as 25.5-point favorites in the Iron Bowl vs. Auburn

It’s a Thanksgiving weekend tradition in the SEC, as one of the best rivalries in college football will be renewed on Saturday. Alabama will play host at Bryant Denny Stadium to the Auburn Tigers, with another edition of the Iron Bowl taking place on Saturday. While the stakes are not as high as usual, both teams will be playing for their respective fanbases and bragging rights.

To no surprise, Alabama will enter the game as huge favorites according to Vegas Insider. Head coach Nick Saban will see his team given 25.5 points at home. It marks the fifteenth matchup in a row the Crimson Tide will be favored.

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While Auburn has had success in the rivalry against Saban, all but one of their wins have come on their home turf. Cam Newton‘s 2010 national championship-winning team was the only one to leave Tuscaloosa with a victory, famously pulling off a historic comeback.

Unfortunately, that level of team will not be traveling across the state.

Interim head coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams will bring his team to town with a 5-6 record and bowl eligibility on the line. Auburn is currently on a win streak, defeating Texas A&M and Group of Five opponent Western Kentucky in the past two weeks. Three victories in a row would be the first since the middle of the 2020 season.

As for Alabama, the goal within the program is winning a national championship. Losses to Tennessee and LSU have ended their shot at making the College Football Playoff for just the second time in the modern era. Even so, Saban has discussed how closing the season out on a high note will be important heading into next year.

Getting a rivalry win would help build confidence for those who return in 2023. And they will be expected to do so by Vegas in a big way.