Alabama (8-3) is the 11.5-point favorite for the 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff in Bryant-Denny Stadium. There’s no hope for a spot in the SEC Championship, most likely staring down a trip to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl. Auburn (5-6) has one last shot at bowl eligibility. What gives?

The massive national stakes we've come to expect with the Iron Bowl are mostly gone this year. After losing to Oklahoma last week, No. 13 Alabama (8-3, 4-3 SEC) will miss the College Football Playoff unless chaos unfolds around the sport.

For Alabama, one key addition was made. Linebacker Deontae Lawson suffered a season-ending injury in the Crimson Tide’s game at Oklahoma last Saturday night. According to Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, Lawson underwent surgery on Tuesday.