Jake Ricardy browses the selection of Auburn and Alabama apparel at Ward & Company Friday afternoon to get ready for Saturday’s Iron Bowl.

Even AU fans say it’ll be ‘Bama’s game

It’s time again for one for the most exciting days of the year of the state of Alabama, not Black Friday, not Christmas and not opening day of hunting season, but it’s time for the Iron Bowl.

Around Covington County, most fans – including many Auburn fans – aren’t giving the Tigers much of chance against the No. 2-ranked Crimson Tide.

“ ’Bama will win because Auburn will not stop Derrick Henry and there is no homerun threat at receiver for Auburn this year,” Alabama fan Anthony McGinty said.

Other Alabama fans had similar opinions.

“Alabama, of course,” Hubert McCann said. “Bigger, better, stronger, faster and smarter.”

“Roll Tide,” Cindy Gatlin said.

“Alabama, Roll Tide,” Deirdra Lamont said.

Pleasant Home head football coach and Alabama fan Chris Mason says the Tide the roll.

“Alabama wins,” Mason said. “The defensive line will control Auburn’s running game. Our secondary is playing the best it has all year. (Derrick) Henry and the Alabama front should wear down Auburn’s defense after the game settles down. The game should be closer than expected at half. Lack of consistency hurts Auburn’s ability to get in a rhythm. Nick Saban and Kirby Smart have done a better job at defending the hurry-up offense, and I think Alabama wins 36-24.”

Straughn’s head football coach also picked Alabama to win the contest.

“Alabama wins because they are just the better team this year,” Wilson said.

Former Andalusia standout running back Wesley Liles thinks Alabama’s defense will be just too much for Auburn to handle.

“Alabama wins,” Liles said. “That nasty defensive line is going to control the line of scrimmage the entire game.”

Auburn fan and Red Level’s own Tony Ingram doesn’t have high hopes for the Tigers coming into Saturday.

“Sorry to say the bad guys win this one,” Ingram said. “I just hope my Tigers make it respectable.”

Cory Williamson is also an Auburn fan, but doesn’t like the Tigers’ chances.

“Unfortunately, ‘Bama wins,” Williamson said. “They are just the better team.”

Other Auburn fans see things a bit differently.

“Upset of the year,” Brent Barnett said.

“War Eagle,” Dena Scarbrough Feagin said.

“I think the game looks the 2009 Iron Bowl, if Sean White plays, expect Sean White to will the team to a win,” Auburn fan Cory Smith said. “If Jeremy Johnson plays, Alabama wins by three touchdowns.”

Kickoff between Alabama and Auburn will be at 2:30 today in Auburn. CBS will broadast the game.