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Alabama safety Landon Collins intercepts a deep pass against Tennessee.

(Vasha Hunt/vhunt@al.com)

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Auburn doesn't throw the ball much.

The Tigers' 231 attempts this season rank last in the SEC by a healthy margin. They've stayed fairly close to the average of 21 passes per game with a season-high 34 coming against Mississippi State in the third game.

But when Auburn throws, its big-play potential is real.

The Tigers average 14.2 yards per catch — slightly better than SEC passing leader Texas A&M's 14.1.

And though only 36 percent of its total offense comes through the passing game, nearly half (28 of 58) o

f Auburn's plays covering 20-plus yards came through the air.

"That's very dangerous because they can get the run game going and have us stick down to their run, they can hit us with a deep pass, hit us with a bomb, any type of play that can get us off guard," Alabama safety Landon Collins said. "If we can contain their run, we got a better chance on the pass."

Coach Nick Saban sees a quarterback in Nick Marshall who's more than a dangerous runner.

"He's an especially good deep ball thrower," Saban said. "That in and of itself creates a lot of issues and a lot of problems if you're a defensive player. I think the guy is one of the most talented guys in our league at his position, even though his style may be a little bit different."

Receiver Sammie Coates ranks second nationally with his 22.9-yard average per catch. The sophomore has 11 catches covering more than 30 yards (seventh in the nation) and four of 50-plus (fifth nationally).

Alabama figures to have senior cornerback

Deion Belue

back for Saturday's game after sitting out Saturday's win over Chattanooga with turf toe.