Top-ranked Alabama will look to move to 8-0 on the season against No. 22 Auburn (5-2) a year after the Tigers won a hard-fought — and controversial — Iron Bowl, 48-45. The Crimson Tide have never lost to the Tigers in consecutive seasons under Nick Saban, but that’s where this year’s Iron Bowl becomes peculiar: Saban won’t be on the sidelines for Saturday’s game. He will watch the game from his home, in quarantine, after testing ositive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, formerly head coach at Washington and USC, will take over for Saban in that capacity. But how much will Saban’s absence affect the game?
MORE: Watch Alabama vs. Auburn live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
Offensively, Alabama should be fine. The Tide are currently humming along with quarterback Mac Jones (155-of-201 passing, 2,426 yards, 18 touchdowns), running back Najee Harris (137 carries, 797 yards, 16 touchdowns) and receiver DeVonta Smith (65 receptions, 903 yards, 10 touchdowns).
The biggest question in Saturday’s Iron Bowl — much like in 2019 — is whether Alabama’s defense can make enough stops. The unit has improved over previous weeks, however, giving up just 20 points over the past 3 1/2 games (second half against Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi State and Kentucky).
For Auburn, the keys to victory will be keeping up with Alabama’s offense. To that end, look for quarterback Bo Nix (136-of-222 passing, 1,627 yards, 10 touchdowns) to spread the ball to receivers Anthony Schwartz, Eli Stove and Seth Williams (combined for 98 receptions, 1,318 yards and nine touchdowns). Running back Tank Bigsby will be another big factor in Auburn’s offensive success, but the freshman is questionable with a hip injury that knocked him out of the Tennessee game.
With that, here’s everything you need to know to watch the Iron Bowl on Saturday, including kickoff time, TV channels and more.
What channel is Alabama vs. Auburn on today?
TV channel (national): CBS Live stream: fuboTV
Alabama vs. Auburn will air live on CBS starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson will call the game from the booth with Jamie Erdahl serving as the sideline reporter.
Alabama vs. Auburn start time
Date: Saturday, Nov. 28 Kickoff: 3:30 p. m. ET
Saturday’s game will be the fourth national broadcast for Alabama, all on CBS. It will be Auburn’s second nationally televised game, also on CBS.
