So apparently there’s this big rivalry game today? Kidding.I love Iron Bowl weekend and this week’s game shouldn’t disappoint as it sure to be one of the best in the series.

I actually had the opportunity to go to the first Iron Bowl played in Jordan-Hare Stadium. It was a sight to see.

At the time, nearly 75,000 fans screaming either War Eagle or Roll Tide at the tops of their lungs is an awesome experience. It helped to hook me into my love of sports just for the atmosphere.

That game was an awesome experience. No doubt about it. The Tigers posted the victory, I think the score was 30-20.

I also feel confident that they will do the same this weekend.

Here’s why.

Auburn has a tough offense to stop and everyone is thinking that if it rains it will slow down the run game. True, but believe it or not, passing games actually improve during the rain. Mainly because the receiver can dictate the route cleaner.

The wideout knows where he is going and the defender is merely following. On dry ground that a tough chore, but as a wet, slippery unstable surface. It’s going to be interesting.

Another thing is that the Tide’s offense needs to be able to score at least three touchdowns to compete with the Tigers. Even though they are playing at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the Tide is still the underdog.

I know it’s a rival game and you can throw out the record books. But still, Auburn appears to be the better team and I am confident that they will stay that way.

The rest of the road for the Tigers plays out like this.

Auburn will go to Atlanta and will face my Vols.

As big of a Tennessee fan as I am, I will be cheering for the Tigers in this game, just because I want to see them get into the national championship.

Auburn should be going to the Orange Bowl following that game.

Right now, they are the No. 3 team in the nation and that’s because of one team. The Citadel.

Auburn was slated to play Bowling Green, but because Oklahoma offered them more money they chose to go and try to beat the wheels off the wagon. They weren’t successful. The Tigers were left with a game to fill and they chose to invite the Citadel down for a lesson in SEC football.

The game was a walk for the Tigers and now it’s costing them.

The sad thing about it is, unless the Sooners or the Trojans stumble along the way, the Tigers are going to be doing their Bowling in New Orleans, in the Sugar Bowl.

And while New Orleans is a great place to visit, the Tigers had rather be down in South Beach playing for a big glass football and a bowl of oranges.

It’s that simple.

Griffin Pritchard is the sports editor of the Greenville Advocate, He can be reached by phone at 382-3111 ext 122