Alabama and Auburn are playing for completely different stakes in Saturday’s Iron Bowl.

Alabama controls its destiny in the SEC West and would clinch the division title and a spot in conference championship game against Florida on Dec. 5.

Auburn, which became bowl-eligible with last week’s win over Idaho, would ruin those opportunities with a victory. It lost the chance to win the division a long time ago but would love to ruin Alabama’s day — and season — in one fell swoop.

Here is what a few media outlets/types are saying about the biggest SEC contest of the week:

  1. Auburn could have two starters back for Saturday’s game, so says al.com, which indicates that center Austin Golson and left tackle Shon Coleman, who sat out last week against Idaho due to knee injuries suffered against Georgia, practiced Sunday and might return this week.
  2. There are 3 keys to an Auburn upset of Alabama, according to CBS Sports analyst Gary Danielson, who thankfully does not suggest finding eligibility loopholes for Cam Newton and Bo Jackson.
  3. Cam Newton will be an honorary coach, according to montgomeryadvertiser.com. Well, if you’re Auburn and your former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback can’t play for you, having him serve even in this capacity is the next best thing. After all, his Carolina Panthers are undefeated, and maybe he can bring some of that mojo with him to the Plains.
  4. Ragland, Alabama feeling good entering finishing run, writes the Associated Press. The Crimson Tide and their star linebacker Reggie Ragland should be feeling great going into Saturday’s game. After all, Bama has won eight straight and the Tide will be facing an Auburn team that is coming off a 56-34 home win over Idaho. That’s right, the Tigers surrendered 34 points to Idaho, one of the worst teams in the country. Overconfidence could be the Tide’s biggest opponent Saturday.
  5. Everything is lining up for Alabama to blow out rival Auburn, so says Phil Steele. The Crimson Tide is favored by two touchdowns, but one thing to consider before you lay out your holiday money is that Steele’s ATS record this season in the New York Post is only 13-11. Bettors beware.