Jumbo Package: Mac Jones hopes to be a Barn burner

Happy Monday, everyone. Saturday was a fun time for Alabama’s team and fans as seniors were honored and the Tide played a virtually flawless game to win 66-3. A quick recap:

-- One of the plays I didn’t appreciate in real time­ was Jared Mayden’s second INT. It started with Barmore blowing up the read-option mesh between QB and RB. It continued with Christian Harris throwing the passer to the ground as he launched a prayer denied by Mayden. Crazy play executed at three different points but three different defenders.

-- Starters began to exit in the third quarter with Taulia Tagovailoa taking over at QB on the second drive. In total, 70 players participated in the game for Alabama.

It was a successful dress rehearsal. The main event is on Saturday.

Outside of LSU’s trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Terrace Marshall, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better receiving corps in college football.

“Both the trios are good,” Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary said. “I respect both of them. We just have to come out and execute and do what we do.”

Auburn has already faced that group from LSU, and the Tigers’ secondary believes that’s an experience they can lean on in preparing for a Tide offense that ranks second nationally at 48.55 points per game. In Death Valley last month, Auburn limited LSU and its high-octane offense to a season-low 23 points, including its worst passing efficiency game of the year (143.49).

Total defense

1. Ohio State 217.4

14. Auburn 306.5

16. Alabama 315.3

Scoring defense

1. Ohio State 10.5

10. Alabama 16.2

10. Auburn 16.2

How many folks out there realize that the two defenses have been that similar? SP+ likes Auburn a bit better, but you’re still talking about the #4 and #6 defenses by that measure. Meanwhile, Alabama’s offense has been far and away better than theirs. Mac will have his chance on Saturday to prove that he can keep it humming.

Pat Forde’s hater’s guide is pretty funny.

Hate the unethical behavior they’re getting away with in broad daylight: Alabama is the worst team ever to be ranked in the CFP top five, but the committee is scared to drop the Tide. Because Saban. Every single Alabama player drives a brand new Dodge Charger and gets free suits from a shady clothier dude but the media won’t report on it. Because Saban. The Tide also blatantly gets the calls in big games. Because Saban. Nobody ever rips Alabama for avoiding non-conference road games. Because Saban.

Somebody has been spending some time on SEC Rant.

Derrick Henry is treating NFL defenses like a tin horn.

King Henry is fourth in rushing yards with 991 in his first 11 games and fourth in TDs with 10, but the way he finishes, he may well pass everyone.

Last, SEC Network did another Tua tribute and it is fantastic.

That’s about it for today. Have a great week.

Roll Tide.