The Alabama Crimson Tide 10-1 on the season will head to Jordan Hare Stadium this weekend to take on the Auburn Tigers 8-3. Stay with BamaInsider.com all this week for game week coverage.
Nick Saban's press conference before the Iron Bowl
WEDNESDAY INSIDER REPORT: D.J. Dale does not take part in drills
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 5 Alabama worked outside Wednesday as it held its third practice in preparation for Saturday’s Iron Bowl against No. 15 Auburn. Players were dressed in full pads and worked under sunny, 65-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— D.J. Dale (knee) appears to be limited as he stood to the side of the defensive linemen during drills. Raekwon Davis (ankle) and Phidarian Mathis (undisclosed) were both full participants and appeared to be moving well.
— Alabama’s first unit on the defensive line consisted of Davis, Mathis and Byron Young. The second group was made up of Tevita Musika, Stephon Wynn Jr. and Justin Eboigbe. Christian Barmore, Ishmael Sopsher and Braylen Ingraham were in the third group.
— Henry Ruggs (bruised ribs) continues to move well during drills and was a full participant with the rest of the receivers.
Iron Bowl by the numbers
Alabama by the numbers
152.6— According to Pro Football Focus, Alabama quarterbacks have compiled a 152.6 NFL passer rating when targeting DeVonta Smith this season. That ranks first in the nation among receivers who have been targeted 70 or more times.
77.8 — Joseph Bulovas has made 77.8 percent (21 of 27) of his field goals during his time with Alabama. That percentage ranks No. 2 in school history behind only Jeremy Shelley’s 80 percent (44 of 55).
71.4— Mac Jones as a 71.4 completion percentage. That ranks No. 6 in the nation among quarterbacks with at least 85 dropbacks.
24.95 — Jaylen Waddle leads the nation averaging 24.95 yards per punt return. The sophomore is currently on pace to break Alabama’s single-season record of 23.0 yards per punt return held by Eddie Jackson in 2016.
5 — Najee Harris has recorded five straight multi-touchdown games. Over that span, the junior back has found the end zone 12 times (nine rushing, three receiving). In his last three games, Harris has recorded both a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. He is the first SEC player in at least 20 years to accomplish the feat.
Auburn by the numbers
91.7 — Auburn has a 91.7 percent success rate in the red zone (22 of 24) during SEC play. Eighteen of those scores have come on touchdowns. Over their last four games, the Tigers have converted all 17 of their red-zone chances with 12 touchdowns.
28.92 — Auburn ranks No. 8 in the nation holding opponents to a 28.92 percent conversion rate on third downs. Alabama ranks No. 3 in the nation, converting on 54.26 of its third-down opportunities.
21 — Auburn’s three losses this season have come by a combined 21 points. All three defeats have been to teams ranked inside the top 10 at the time the Tigers played them — No. 10 Florida (24-13), No. 2 LSU (23-20) and No. 4 Georgia (21-14).
16.2 — Auburn is tied with Alabama and Michigan for No. 10 in the nation, allowing opponents 16.2 points per game. Defense has been key for the Tigers in recent Iron Bowls as eight of Auburn’s last nine wins over Alabama have come when it has held the Crimson Tide to fewer than 20 points.
13 — Sophomore receiver Seth Williams had 13 receptions for Auburn in its 21-14 loss to Georgia two weeks ago. The Cottondale, Ala., native leads the Tigers with 52 receptions for 735 yards and eight touchdowns on the season.
Tuesday Insider Report: Christian Barmore continues to impress, DJ Dale back at practice
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 5 Alabama worked outside Tuesday as it held its second practice in preparation for Saturday’s Iron Bowl against No. 15 Auburn. Players were dressed in full pads and worked under cloudy 70-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— D.J. Dale (knee) was participating in individual drills after standing to the side during Monday’s viewing period. The freshman defensive tackle was not working with the first-team defensive line during team drills toward the end of the period. Monday, head coach Nick Saban listed Dale as “day-to-day” for this week’s game against Auburn.
— Raekwon Davis (ankle) and Phidarian Mathis (undisclosed) were also participating in drills with the defensive linemen. The two worked in the first-team defensive line alongside freshman Byron Young.
Gus Malzahn talks Alabama's explosive offense on Tuesday
Jaylen Waddle, "Auburn has a very good defense."
Monday Insider Report: Alabama gears up for Auburn Tigers
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 5 Alabama worked outside Monday as it held its first practice in preparation for Saturday’s Iron Bowl against No. 15 Auburn. Players were dressed in shorts and shells and worked under clear, 59-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— All four of Alabama’s injured players from last week were present in practice. Raekwon Davis (ankle) and Phidarian Mathis (undisclosed) were working with the first group on the defensive line, while D.J. Dale (knee) stood to the side. Henry Ruggs III (bruised ribs) was participating in drills with the receivers.
— Injured freshman running back Trey Sanders (foot) was dressed out and going through footwork drills off to the side with a trainer. He seemed to be moving all right. Last week, Saban said. that Sanders as well as Dylan Moses (knee), Joshua McMillon (knee) and LaBryan Ray (foot) were all progressing nicely in rehab.
Nick Saban's opening press conference for the Iron Bowl
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