An Alabama broadcaster highlights a major concern for the Crimson Tide as they prepare for the Iron Bowl.

Alabama football fans are usually very confident heading into the Iron Bowl, but this year, there’s a sense of concern. Auburn comes into the game after an impressive upset win over a ranked Texas A&M team at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Under Hugh Freeze, the Tigers (5-6) are just one win away from becoming bowl-eligible, and they could achieve that by defeating their in-state rivals. Meanwhile, Alabama enters the matchup with an 8-3 record, following a crushing 3-24 loss to Oklahoma last week, which ended their hopes of making the Southeastern Conference Championship and put their College Football Playoff chances on life support. Saturday’s game is now crucial for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama’s offense has been the most unpredictable aspect of their game this season. Whether it’s been Nick Sheridan’s play-calling, Jalen Milroe’s poor decision-making, or a mix of issues, the Tide hasn’t been firing on all cylinders offensively. Despite scoring over 40 points against Wisconsin, Georgia, and LSU, they’ve struggled against Tennessee (scoring just 17 points) and Oklahoma.

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA – NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts with a look in the direction of side judge Victor Sanchez after a play against the Oklahoma Sooners in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 24-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

Chris Stewart, a radio broadcaster for Alabama football and men’s basketball on Crimson Tide Sports Network, shared his biggest concern for the team during his appearance on 3 Man Front this week on WJOX 94.5 FM in Birmingham, Ala.

“I think Payton Thorne is certainly a concern, but the main issue starts with Auburn’s success on the ground,” Stewart said. “Jarquez Hunter running 28 times for three touchdowns is a big problem. The fact that he’s been so effective all year is worrying. When Payton Thorne is on point, as we saw in parts of last year’s game, that’s dangerous. Auburn is capable of moving the ball, and Alabama needs to match that by playing the way they’ve been playing most of the season. Last week’s offense was not good… You go from scoring 42 points at LSU to just three at Oklahoma two weeks later, and that’s concerning. It’s going to be more than just a test—it’s a challenge, because Auburn’s strength is something Alabama struggled with.”

Jarquez Hunter rushed for 130 yards in Auburn’s win over Texas A&M, while Payton Thorne threw for 301 yards and multiple touchdowns. The Tigers are entering the game with strong confidence in their offense, while Alabama still hasn’t found its footing.

The Tide will need to be at their best this weekend.