Two of the conference’s top teams up to this point in the year, is the matchup in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday night between Alabama and Auburn the “Game of the Year” in the SEC so far this season?
While “The Iron Bowl” will always be known for the showdown between the Crimson Tide and Tigers on the gridiron, and rightfully so, the matchup on the hardwood has in recent years blossomed into one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries between the two in-state programs.
This season’s two matchups should be no different between Alabama and Auburn as well, the first of which comes Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa.
The SEC’s lone undefeated team in conference play remaining, Auburn comes to Tuscaloosa ranked as the No. 6 team nationally according to the latest Coaches Poll at 16-2 overall, as well as 5-0 in conference play. Sitting atop the SEC, Auburn is also one of the hottest teams in the country having won their last 11 straight games, and having scored 80+ points in each of their last three.
Alabama on the other hand sits just outside of the Top 25 at 12-6 overall, as well as 4-1 in SEC play. The Crimson Tide, who ranks No. 4 nationally with an average of 89.2 PPG offensively, are also coming off their first SEC loss of the year, which came Saturday on the road at Tennessee, and were playing very well before that defeat having won six-straight.
Combine the rivalry environment with those resumes, as well as the fact that Alabama and Auburn are two of the SEC’s top offensive teams, and it’s clear why Wednesday night’s game will be a must-see.
So, will the Crimson Tide hand Auburn their first SEC loss, or will the Tigers pick up a signature win in Tuscaloosa to remain unbeaten atop the conference? Only time will tell.