Tide and Tigers still have a lot to play for

Alright, I admit it. Saturday's "Dawg Day" took some of the luster from the upcoming Iron Bowl. But I can guarantee you that come Nov. 24 every football fan in this state will be glued to the TV or tailgating on the Plains.

It doesn't matter that both teams will come limping into the game with 7-4 records (assuming Bama doesn't have a Shula type meltdown and fall to La. Monroe).

This is the Iron Bowl. It is what this state will be talking about for the next 365 days. It is about new Alabama hotshot coach Nick Saban against the Riverboat Gambler, Tommy Tuberville.

The teams are strikingly similar this season as well. Bama has lost close games to Georgia, Florida State, LSU and Mississippi State while the Tigers have dropped close games to South Florida, Mississippi State and LSU before the beat down in Athens.

It is safe to say that neither Alabama's John Parker Wilson or Auburn's Brandon Cox are being dubbed as heisman winners this week on talk radio or by the water coolers.

As a matter of fact, both quarterbacks might be better off to turn their TVs and radios off this week. I doubt it will be pretty.

Wilson gift wrapped a State win Saturday in Starkville with two interceptions. Facing a third-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Wilson floated a pass in the end zone and State intercepted it and ran it back 100 yards for a touchdown.

If Wilson doesn't make that throw, Bama goes into the locker room with a 9-3 lead at worst. Not that the play call was any better than the throw by the way.

Cox didn't fair much better with four interceptions in the 45-20 loss in Athens. And the Auburn defense, which has been rock steady all season long, gave up the most points it has ever given up under Tuberville. I wonder what could be distracting the Tigers?

With all that said it doesn't really matter if anyone outside the state cares to watch the game.

What matters is that one team will get win number eight while the other team will be starring at a 7-5 finish.

Right now both programs are at turning points. A win by either team will give their program a big shot in the arm for the next few years.

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