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Published Mar 2, 2018
Iron Bowl survey: What prospects think of SEC's top rivalry
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Rob Cassidy  •  Rivals.com
Recruiting Analyst

MOBILE, Ala – The Rivals Camp Series presented by adidas made a stop in Mobile over the weekend and stirred up plenty of conversation about the in-state programs. Auburn and Alabama are always at the forefront of football events in the region, so the timing was perfect for an Iron Bowl survey. Rivals.com spent some time during camp registration top poll prospects on topics related to the state’s most famous rivalry. A sampling of the responses is below.

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WHICH COACH WILL STAY LONGER, AUBURN'S GUS MALZAHN OR ALABAMA'S NICK SABAN?

“Saban for sure. He’s not retiring. He wants to keep winning with this dynasty.” – 2020 Athlete Kris Draine

“Saban, I think. I He’s not going anywhere.” -- Three-star quarterback Sheldon Layman

“Saban. He’s not ready to be don yet.” -- Mississippi-based quarterback Kenneth Jefferson

“I’m going to have to go with Saban. I think he could be around at least five more years.” – Three-star defensive back DJ James

“It’s going to be Saban. Everyone always thinks he’s going to retire or something, but he just keeps going.” -- Three-star defensive back Jarrian Jones

“Saban. He’ll stay around as long as he wants.” -- Offensive lineman Tyrique Sellers

“I think Nick Saban. He’s going to make it two more years. I’ll give him that.” -- Three-star offensive lineman Caleb Etenne

“This is a really hard question because it could be close, but I’ll say Coach Malzahn. Saban just signed a contract and I think this is the last contract he’ll have then he’ll retire.” —Four-star quarterback Paul Tyson, grandson of former Alabama coach Bear Bryant

WHICH SCHOOL HAS BETTER FOOTBALL FACILITIES?

“It’s like … they are both the same.” - Draine

“That’s definitely Alabama. They have all the support they need or want there.” – Layman

“I’ll have to go with Alabama. It’s just very nice there.” – James

“Alabama. I love that weight room and the trophy room there is huge.” – Jones

“I think Alabama. Everything out there, man. It’s all overwhelming.” – Tyson

“Alabama. Everything there just feels ... really intense and really big.” -- Jefferson

WHICH SCHOOL HAS BETTER GAMEDAY ATMOSPHERE?

“I think Auburn fans are little crazier than Alabama.” – Draine

“I gotta say Alabama. Those people are crazy. I think the people at Auburn ... they are more … it’s kind of more of a rich people atmosphere.” – Layman

“I’ll have to go Auburn. Those people are really crazy there. And when the eagle flies across the field, it’s cool.” – James

“Auburn. Before the game starts, and they drop the eagle? Man, that can’t be beat. It’s amazing” – Jones

“Auburn, in my opinion. They have fun.” – Etenne

“I would say on a regular basis, Alabama. But Auburn gets up. I was at that Alabama-Auburn game and they were playing Swag Surfin’. That’s as hyped as I’ve ever seen a stadium.” -- Tyson

WHICH SCHOOL WILL WIN ANOTHER HEISMAN TROPHY SOONER?

“Alabama. It’s going to be that freshman quarterback – Tua [Tagovailoa]. He can scramble and he can throw the ball. He keeps his eyes down field.” – Draine

“Alabama and it’s going to be Tua. He’s a freak.” – Layman

“Alabama and it’s probably going to be Tua. He’s a real dual-threat quarterback. He can run and also throw really well.” – James

“Alabama. I think Tua. That boy can throw and he’s versatile. He can run. He can do everything.” - Jones

“Alabama with that quarterback (Tagovailoa).” – Etenne

"Tua Tagovailoa. He’s already showed he can step up in big positions and make something happen.” -- Tyson

WHICH SCHOOL WILL WIN THE 2018 IRON BOWL?

“Alabama. That’s easy.” – Draine

“I think Auburn has a shot this year. I’m gonna pick Auburn. They got this.” -- Jefferson

“Alabama.” – Layman

“Alabama for sure.” -- James

“Alabama. Yeah? I think Bama.” – Jones

“Alabama. I mean, they’ve already showed us what they have next year. They played five freshmen on that game-winning drive (in the title game).” -- Tyson

WHICH TEAM WILL WIN MORE GAMES IN 2018?

“Alabama. They are all set up.” – Draine

“Alabama.” – Layman

“Alabama. I think they’ll go undefeated.” – James

“Bama. They have a quarterback that can actually throw the ball now.” – Jones

“Alabama. They might lose one, but they’ll either lose one or go undefeated.” – Etenne

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