TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide walks on the field prior to the Iron Bowl against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 29, 2014 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)The Iron Bowl is going to be a little different this year.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban is unable to be on the sideline for Saturday’s game. He’s tested positive for COVID-19 and has to quarantine.
“This morning we received notification that Coach Saban tested positive for COVID-19. He has very mild symptoms, so this test will not be categorized as a potential false positive,” Alabama’s team doctor said in a statement.
While Saban is out for Saturday, the Crimson Tide remain big favorites. Alabama enters Saturday’s game as a three-touchdown favorite, per most sportsbooks.
Associated Press college football writer Ralph D. Russo has made his score prediction. He likes Alabama to win big:
No. 22 Auburn (plus 25) at No. 1 Alabama
In last six meetings when both teams are ranked, the Tigers are 4-2, including last year. But the Tide haven’t lost consecutive Iron Bowls with Nick Saban as coach … ALABAMA 42-21.
Alabama and Auburn are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. E.T. on Saturday.
The game will be televised on CBS.
You can view Ralph D. Russo’s full college football score predictions for rivalry week here.
