Alabama vs Auburn Odds, Prediction: Bet Tigers in Rivalry Game

Bruce Pearl's team seems to have turned a corner after the loss at Alabama a couple of weeks ago.

The atmosphere at Neville Arena on Wednesday evening should be electric when the Auburn Tigers host the Alabama Crimson Tide. In a battle for first place in the SEC, Nate Oats' team has a tall task ahead.

As well as the Crimson Tide have played, they barely escaped their first matchup against the Tigers. This one has all of the makings of a back-and-forth affair.

The Crimson Tide are rolling of late, and they have quickly ascended to become one of the nation's best teams. There are still questions about their defense, but it's hard to ignore how explosive their offense is.

They enter this matchup ranked second in adjusted offensive efficiency, including outstanding top-five numbers in free-throw and field-goal percentage. They defeated the Tigers in Tuscaloosa a couple of weeks ago, but playing on the road changes everything.

This is a terrible spot for the Crimson Tide. They escaped the last matchup against the Tigers with multiple turnovers, but there is legitimate reason to be concerned. Auburn is an excellent defensive team that performs better in front of its home crowd. If Alabama is careless with the ball early, it could put the game out of reach.

The Crimson Tide have the backcourt advantage in the contest, but they need to capitalize on their open 3-point attempts. Guards Mark Sears, Ryan Griffen and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. are all shooting above 38% from deep.

The only flaw of the aggressiveness of the Auburn defense is it fouls often. Alabama gets to the free-throw line a decent amount and is fourth in the country in free-throw percentage. If the Crimson Tide can force the Tigers into foul trouble, they have a clear path to victory.

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The Tigers are in a prime position to get revenge over the Crimson Tide. Their first matchup was a close contest, and they let it slip away.

Pearl's team is fourth in adjusted defensive efficiency and 12th in adjusted offensive efficiency. There is good reason to believe in Auburn for this matchup.

Turnovers were the difference in the first game, and I expect them to remain just as important. The Tigers do not turn the ball over on offense, which gives them the upper hand right away.

Their frontcourt will also be important given the defensive strengths of the Crimson Tide. Alabama is vulnerable inside the arc, so expect Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams to have big days offensively.

This is a strength-on-strength matchup, as the Crimson Tide's offense is one of the best in the country and the Tigers' defense is also near the top of the country. With a boost from the home crowd, it seems like this is the perfect spot for the Tigers to have a big performance.

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I am backing the Tigers in what should be a terrific game. The revenge and situational variables are too much to ignore.

Auburn turned the ball over 11 times in the last matchup, so if it cuts that down, it will win this game. There are simply too many advantages for the Tigers on the defensive side of the ball. Alabama can't win again if it loses the turnover battle, which I expect it to.

Roll with the Tigers at home, as they are ready to take first place in the SEC.

Pick: Auburn -4.5

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