Iron Bowl 2013 odds: Alabama opens as 9.5-point favorite over Auburn

The betting line for the 2013 Iron Bowl has been set, and Auburn opened as a 9.5-point underdog to rival Alabama, according to Odds Shark.

The matchup against the Crimson Tide will certainly be the Tigers' toughest of the year, and a win would propel Auburn to the SEC Championship Game and possible BCS Championship Game contention. 'Bama ranks only eighth in the SEC in total offense, averaging 444.7 yards per game -- yes, that's good for eighth in the SEC -- but the Tide are third in scoring at 39.7 points per contest. That's actually just ahead of Auburn, which averages 39.0 points per game.

On the defensive side of the ball, Alabama is just as good as one would expect. The Crimson Tide is allowing 263.9 yards and 9.3 points per game, ranking first in the SEC in both categories. Their scoring defense is also the best nationally, and their total defense is third behind Michigan State and Louisville. Auburn's defense hasn't been as good, allowing 22.0 points and 406.9 yards per game. Those numbers rank 30th and 70th in the nation, respectively.

Auburn and Alabama kick off from Jordan-Hare Stadium Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast by CBS, and ESPN's College GameDay will be in town to start the festivities.

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