Alabama’s 2024 football season could still end with a bid for the College Football Playoff, assuming it receives enough support. However, there’s no chance at all if UA can’t beat Auburn, a Tiger team also playing for something, on Saturday.

It will be Kalen DeBoer’s first Iron Bowl and Hugh Freeze’s first trip to Tuscaloosa with Auburn. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ABC.

Before the game begins, here are three questions Alabama needs to answer during Saturday’s matchup.

Can Alabama recover mentally?

The loss to Oklahoma last week was a crushing loss. The Crimson Tide entered the game heavily favored and appeared to be outmatched in all areas of the game before the Sooner faithful stormed the field twice.

The loss had a devastating impact on Alabama’s development. Before the loss, UA simply had to win to reach the SEC Championship Game, a feat that likely would have guaranteed a spot in the CFP.

There’s still a chance, however slim it may be, that the Tide can make the playoffs with some help. However, the loss must first be overcome.

Auburn will be ready. Hugh Freeze prepares his teams for the big games.

Can DeBoer prepare his group to fend off what could prove to be a significant threat a week after the biggest disappointment of the season?

Can the Crimson Tide stop the run?

Auburn’s offense has struggled all season. One bright spot was running back Jarquez Hunter.

The Tide’s rushing defense looked miserable last week. Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold kept outscoring UA, the Sooners controlled the clock and limited Alabama’s possessions, and OU walked away with the upset victory.

It was a similar game plan to Vanderbilt. The book defending Kane Wommack has been published.

It seems likely that Freeze and company will try to beat Alabama on the ground. If the Crimson Tide wants to succeed, they must control the rushing attack.

Can Jalen Milroe get back into shape?

On his best day, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe will be the game-winning player for the Tide. That’s what happened against LSU when he ran wild in Baton Rouge and single-handedly scored enough points to beat the Tigers.

However, when he is taken out, the offense struggles to even move. That’s what happened against Oklahoma when UA only scored three points.

Oklahoma was ready to stop Milroe’s hasty threat. Whether Auburn has the players on defense to do the same remains to be seen.

Alabama needs Milroe to get back to top form. Can he do it on Saturday?