Alabama vs. Auburn Week 13 Picks: Tide Will Struggle to Cover During Iron Bowl

The biggest rivalry in college football is here. Can the Auburn Tigers upset their bitter foe from across the state? Read on for our Alabama-Auburn picks.

Alabama controls its own destiny, but the Crimson Tide must beat the Auburn Tigers on the road if they want to win a title. Unfortunately for Alabama (6-5 against the spread), the Tide have lost their last two games at Jordan-Hare Stadium. 

Meanwhile, Auburn is without its starting quarterback. The Tigers (5-6 ATS) are coming off a loss to South Carolina, and their first-year head coach Bryan Harsin hasn't experienced an Iron Bowl.

But none of that matters once the game begins. Some of the craziest moments in the history of college football have occurred during this rivalry, and the Tigers are looking to create more. 

Here are my picks and predictions for the college football Week 13 matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers (odds via FanDuel, and pick confidence is based on a one-to-five star scale).

Alabama vs. Auburn Game Info

Date/Time: Saturday, November 27 at 3:30 p.m. ETTV: CBSLocation: Jordan-Hare StadiumWeather: 58 degrees, no rain

Alabama vs. Auburn Odds Analysis

Alabama opened as 19.5-point favorites on the road. That line has shifted in a few sportsbooks, but the majority have stayed at 19.5.

The total opened at 55. Some sportsbooks bumped it up to 56, but the majority shifted it to 55.5. A heavier bet on the total is required at some sportsbooks this week, but FanDuel is keeping it at -110 for each side.

Alabama vs. Auburn Betting Picks

Auburn +19.5 (-110) ????Over 55.5 (-110) ???

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Alabama vs. Auburn Predictions

Auburn +19.5 (-110)

Alabama has struggled against the SEC this year, with a touchdown or less deciding an uncharacteristic amount of the school's conference wins. Expect another tight contest during the Iron Bowl.

Auburn is without Bo Nix, but TJ Finley is experienced in the SEC and can lead an offense. He should find success against Alabama's error-prone secondary. Finley may be able to provide a shock with the home crowd on his side.

This rivalry defies logic, as superior teams lose often, and games that should have been decided at halftime come down to the final play. The Tigers recorded a pick-6 twice and needed a botched call to win the last time Auburn played Alabama at home.

The Tide likely won't cover a spread of nearly three touchdowns. They possess the offensive firepower to score, but their defense will make a few mistakes that keep the game close.

SEE ALSO: Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State Picks

Over 55.5 (-110)

Bryce Young is coming off of an elite performance against Arkansas. He set Alabama's single-game passing yards record while throwing five touchdown tosses. If he puts up another stat line like that, the Iron Bowl could be his Heisman moment.

The Over will hit because Alabama will be forced to keep attacking. Its defense has shown flashes of promise against teams like Ole Miss and LSU, but the unit hasn't been consistently dominant.

The Tigers can score on big plays without sustaining long drives because of Alabama's struggling secondary. That will speed up the game and help to increase the score.

Lastly, Alabama is efficient in the red zone and likely won’t be settling for field goals on the road. The team can capitalize on scoring opportunities, which also makes the Over likely to hit.

SEE ALSO: All NBA picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Picks made 11/24/2021 at 1:02 p.m. ET