If Auburn fans thought the emotions of 2017 made for a wild season, 2018 could prove to be more of the same for the Tigers.

In a recent ESPN article by senior writer Heather Dinich, four games featuring SEC teams were mentioned among the 12 contests designated as ones that “could define the season” in 2018. Three of the four games involving SEC teams include Auburn.

The first game mentioned on the list was the Iron Bowl. Following Auburn’s dominating 26-14 win in the rivalry last season, the Tigers have to turn around and play in Tuscaloosa this season. Here’s what Dinich wrote about the next edition of the upcoming rivalry:

This game should again determine the SEC West winner, and while it’s possible for the loser to still make the playoff (See: 2017), that’s assuming it’s the only loss. Don’t forget Auburn also plays Washington this season, and Alabama has Louisville.

Here’s the complete list of games involving SEC programs from the list:

  • Auburn at Alabama on Nov. 24
  • Auburn at Georgia on Nov. 10
  • Auburn vs. Washington in Atlanta on Sept. 1
  • LSU vs. Miami in Arlington on Sept. 2

If the Tigers are going to win any of these games, they will have to accomplish what they were unable to do last season — win away from Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn’s biggest wins last season all came at home while its four losses (at Clemson, at LSU, vs. Georgia in Atlanta, vs. UCF in Atlanta) came away from the friendly confines of the Tigers’ home.