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Ole Miss Football: 5 Reasons The Tide Will Not Win The SEC In 2017

By Daniel Skipper

Nov 12, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen prior to the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen prior to the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Auburn Tigers

The Iron Bowl is a in-state rivalry classic plain and simple. Of course, like any other SEC game this one is big. However, the fact it’s an in-state rivalry it makes it even more heated. This season will be no exception as Auburn host the Tide down on the plains on November 25, 2017.

I believe Auburn has the players and the talent to make a hard run to Atlanta. Coach Gus Malzahn has been able to do a great job of recruiting in his run as Auburn head coach. He has developed and offensive staff and some of the most talented athletes in the SEC into a solid contender for the SEC West title.

Although the Tigers are returning 8 starters on offense which included Sean White,Malzahn picked up a huge transfer in Jason Stidham. Stidham had a solid spring and will ultimately be the starting QB. Stidham will make his high-powered offense click. Of course, I fully expect Stidham to have an outstanding season with the offensive weapons the Tigers have.

With the addition of former Auburn player Kodi Burns as wide receivers coach/co-offensive coordinator this Auburn WR corp has the potential to be pass deadly. However, there will be balance. The offense has weapons in the backfield to rely on in the rushing game as well. Kamryn Pettway returns and delivers a power in the rushing game which will be very hard to counter.

The one question Auburn has is on defense and it has nothing to do with talent. Auburn is returning 7 defensive starters however they have almost a completely new defensive coaching staff. First year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will have the talent at his disposal and the Tigers will be much improved. Will Auburn shut down the Tide offense? No. However I just don’t see Bama being able to control the game. This is all Auburn.

Skip’s Pick: Auburn 35 Alabama 24

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