Can't wait.... I always love Collegefootballnews.com's predictions. No matter which way they go... SEC Game of the Week Alabama (9-1) at Auburn (8-2) 3:30 pm ET CBS Why to watch: It's the nastiest rivalry in all of college football, and possibly all of sports, with the two teams better than they've been in years. With 17 wins between the two, you have to go back to 1994 for the last time the bitter rivals have been this good. The Iron Bowl was big last year when an unbeaten Auburn team needed to win to stay alive in the national title hunt, but this year's version of the great rivalry might be even bigger with the SEC West title on the line if LSU loses one of its final two games against either Ole Miss or Arkansas. Bama's dream season might have ended with last week's overtime loss to LSU, but it's still very much alive for an at large BCS bid with a win this week giving Mike Shula an amazing 10-1 record. Auburn is coming off an impressive 31-30 win at Georgia last week and can establish itself as the second best team in the league with a win this week. The Tigers have won three straight in the series. Why Alabama might win: Everyone keeps talking about how the Alabama offense is having problems, and it's only gaining 284 yards on LSU with one offensive touchdown, but the D continues to make up for the problems. This is still the nation's number one scoring defense only allowing one touchdown in regulation in the last four games. As good as the Tide defense has been all year, it's even better on the road allowing a total of 24 points in three games. The run defense only allowed 89 yards per game, so Auburn needs a brilliant game out of QB Brandon Cox to win. As good as he's playing, he's still just a first year starter in his first Iron Bowl and he has only thrown for more than one touchdown pass in a game once since early September. Why Auburn might win: Alabama's retooled offensive line had a nightmare of a time with the LSU defensive line giving up five sacks, and it could have even more issues this week. The Tiger line managed six tackles for loss and two sacks against the strong Georgia offensive line; the ends are starting to tee off. Stanley McClover was fantastic against the Bulldogs, while Marques Gunn and Quentin Groves have been steady all year long. The Tide offense isn't going to suddenly explode this week with QB Brodie Croyle sure to be under pressure all game long. Who to watch: This game has a way of making legends out of kickers. Because of his ability to come through in the clutch, Alabama PK Jamie Christensen has been a star this year, but "Money" has only hit 13 of 20 field goals missing a 46 yarder against LSU and a 32-yarder against Mississippi State. In a tight defensive battle like this will be, don't assume Auburn's John Vaughn will be any less strong. Vaughn overcame the horrific 1-of-6 field goal performance against LSU to hit three of his next three and has two field goals outside of the LSU game. His range has topped out at just under 40 yards, but he appears to be over his problems. What will happen: If you're looking for lots of scoring and big offensive numbers, this won't be the game for you. Alabama's offense simply isn't showing enough against decent defenses, and like last week, the problems on the offensive line will prove to be too costly. CFN Prediction: Auburn 16 ... Alabama 13 ... Line: Auburn -7 | Make your pick and compete against others Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Geraldo at Large) ... 5 Final Score:
