Thursday was Thanksgiving, but today may rank as the biggest “holiday” in Alabama, as the annual Iron Bowl is set to kick off at 2:30 p.m.

This year’s match up between the two-time defending national champion, No. 1-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and the fan-proclaimed miracle workers of No. 4-ranked Au-burn University is about more than just state bragging rights. This year’s game has both SEC and national title implications, and the results could send a shock wave reverberating thr-ough the world of college football.

Covington County, like most of the state, seems split right down the middle when it comes to team loyalty, and residents have been vocal in their predictions of Saturday’s game.

Anita Owens said the game will be all about the Tide.

“Alabama is going to stomp all over (Auburn),” Owens posted on Facebook, adding, “Roll Tide,” for good measure.

As the BCS comes to a close this season, the Iron Bowl is poised to make it a memorable end to the regular season, as the ‘Bama versus Auburn match up will decide who represents the SEC West in the title game in Atlanta. It is the first time the rivalry game has been the deciding factor since the SEC split into two divisions in 1992.

Local fans from both sides of the aisle were quick to point out that both teams have their strong points.

“I‘m impressed by the improvements Auburn has made this season,” Melissa Liles said. “But, I do not believe they are ready, mentally, to defeat a two-time national champion.”
Kristen Nicole Burns agreed with Liles’ synopsis of the match up.

“Auburn has really improved, but not enough to stop the Tide,” she said.
Other local fans were a bit more simplistic, yet confident, in their predictions.

“Alabama will win,” Lori Barnes posted on Facebook.

“Auburn is going to stop (Alabama’s) run for the national title,” Eric Nelson said.

The Iron Bowl even took precedence over Christmas shopping during Black Friday trips to local retailers.

Opp residents Tanya Carnley and Buddy Norris said they were shopping at Hibbett Sports in Andalusia, not for Christmas gifts, but for ‘Bama gear to wear during today’s game.

Carnley and Norris predict an Alabama victory today.

“Alabama will win by a touchdown or two,” Carnley predicted.

Norris, while enthusiastic, was a little less firm in his Iron Bowl scoring guess.

“I think Alabama will win, but it’s going to be pretty close,” he said.

While the closest odds released so far still have the Tigers as a 9.5-point underdog, this year’s game is being played on the Plains, and both fan bases believe their team has the upper hand.

The fans will find out who’s right when the game gets underway today at 2:30 p.m. on CBS.