(AP) - Linebacker Reggie Ragland says this Alabama team is different.
The second-ranked Crimson Tide are in a similar position now as the last two seasons, which ended short of the national title after rare defensive lapses. Alabama once again enters Saturday's game against rival Auburn able to secure a spot in the SEC championship game with a victory.
The past two years, the team and the defense have stumbled at the ending. This time the Crimson Tide (10-1, 6-1) ride an eight-game winning streak into the Iron Bowl and at No. 2 in this week's playoff rankings.