The Auburn Tigers have a big opportunity in front of them on Saturday, as they will have the chance to take on one of their biggest rivals, the No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs.
Not only does Auburn get to come into this game off a much-needed bye week that allowed it to regroup after two road losses to being conference play, but it will get to host the Bulldogs under the lights at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Tigers' home stadium has gained a reputation as one of the toughest venues to play in across the country, and they are hoping to show the college football world that is still the case, despite having a slow start to the SEC portion of their schedule.
"It's gonna be different. I was telling my teammates who haven't played like a big game in Jordan-Hare at night, it's gonna be different," said Damari Alston. "I know the fans are gonna come out regardless. Just from being here the past three, four years, I know they're gonna show out, win or lose, so I feel like we got our fans with us. They're gonna help us win this game, for sure."
Alston knows the Tigers still have plenty left in the tank, and they are going to give the Bulldogs everything they have.
"It's just another opportunity, man," Alston said. "Another opportunity for us to get better, another opportunity for us to go out and do what we do. I don't feel like we've put a complete game together yet, so, I mean, this is the week we're gonna do that for sure."
Picking up a win over a rival would be a significant milestone for Auburn in its journey back to being an annual contender, as it has not picked up a win over Alabama or Georgia since the decade began.
"It would mean a lot," Alston said. "It would mean a lot to me and just my teammates because they say it's the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. For us to come out with a win this weekend, feel like that'd be great for us and this family."
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT and ESPN will carry the broadcast.