- Includes Tuberville video
A year ago, Auburn had bounced back from a 1-2 start and was 7-4 and ranked No. 25 going into the Iron Bowl.
The Tigers would beat Alabama 17-10, beat Clemson 26-23 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl to finish 9-4.
This season, Tiger coach Tommy Tuberville pointed out Thursday, is just a a bounce, a completed pass or a made field goal at the right times from being as good or even better than last season’s team.
“Same season we had last year,” Tuberville said. “It’s really no different, other than we made a few plays at the end of games. This year we didn’t make any - just a couple of balls in the end zone, extra points missed, field goals. There’s really not a lot of difference.”
But in some ways it’s very different. Last season, Alabama was staggering at 6-5 and had just to Louisiana-Monroe. When Auburn goes to Bryant-Denny Stadium next Saturday, the Tide will be 11-0 and ranked No. 1 in the nation.
“They’ve made the plays,” Tuberville said. “They are a solid team that doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. They’re not rated that high throwing the ball, but they’re physical, run the ball well. They have a fifth-year senior quarterback (John Parker Wilson) making good decisions. Their defense has, I’m sure, played to their expectations. They’ve stayed healthy. Their kicking game has been solid and has been very fruitful for them.”
But Tuberville said the Tigers will be ready to give their best shot at beating the Tide for the seventh consecutive time.
“This is for bragging rights is basically what it comes down to,” Tuberville said. “In their situation, they have a chance to continue on in the BCS. If we win, we have an outside chance at getting to a bowl game, I guess.
“You hear everybody talk about rivalries across the country. In terms of intensity, none of them touch this one.”
The Tigers practiced for two hours Thursday morning. With most coaches on the road recruiting, there’ll be some walkthroughs Friday. Players who don’t require treatment for injuries will be free to go home for the weekend.
Final preparations for the Iron Bowl will begin Sunday.
