Gary Danielson declares that Alabama's offensive was credited by Auburn to Kick 6

The credit for the Algama offensive was not awarded to Tua Tagovailoa or Nick Saban.

Of course, the left-handed quarterback and his coach are the main reasons for the huge numbers that the number 1 Crimson Tide displays this season.

No, according to CBS SEC analyst Gary Danielson, it's Gus Malzahn and the Auburn Tigers that Saban's team faces on Saturday at 14:30. in the annual Iron Bowl.

Danielson, who joined Lee Shirvanian for "The Opening Kickoff" on WNSP-FM 105.5 earlier this week, said that the 2013 Iron Bowl was the key to all the offensive magic that is taking place today. In Tuscaloosa.

Most remember the 2013 rivalry game for Chris Davis of Auburn, who missed Alabama's 57-yard goal to lead the Tigers to an unlikely 34-28 win over Alabama.

But, said Danielson, this was another piece that changed the dynamics of Alabama football.

"A lot of people are talking about the Kick 6 game," he said. "It's an incredible game, but the game that changed the most Alabama was not the return of the goalkeeper, it's the RPO that Nick Marshall has launched to even the game."

Down 28-21 and facing a first and 10 of Alabama 39 with 41 seconds left, Marshall ran a pass option, forcing Alabama cornerback Cyrus Jones to bite, leaving the receiver Sammie Coates wide open for the touchdown.

Danielson said he spoke to Nick Saban about the play earlier this season.

"I said Nick would you admit it was the room?" He said that after this game, I was tired of discussing the rule. And if that must be the rule, I will do it too. This led to the hiring of Lane Kiffin and Alabama has really changed. "

As offensive coordinator, Kiffin has directed Tide's offense away from the pro-type offense of past years with as much, if not more success. In 2014, Alabama averaged 484.5 yards per game.

"The peculiarity of this team is that it is so different from other teams in Alabama," Danielson said of the Alabama team this year. "As the game has changed, Nick Saban has been willing to change with that. Many coaches will not do that. "

Former players from Auburn, Alabama give predictions

The tide is currently a 24-point favorite against the Tigers rival.

"I do not bet, but if I had money, I would not bet against Alabama," Danielson said.

Mark Heim is a sports writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ Mark_Heim.