The Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers rivalry is about to welcome an unprecedented set of circumstances
Iron Bowl might be the greatest rivalry in college football.
And while the two schools have left some to be desired on the gridiron in recent memory, the same can’t be said for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers when it comes to the hardwood.
Because when the ball is tipped off this Saturday, the two programs will accomplish something the Iron Bowl has yet to feature…
Auburn vs. Alabama to feature #1 vs. #2 in College Basketball AP Poll
Not only are Auburn and Alabama now the No. 1 and 2 teams in the country in men’s hoops, they are playing each other this weekend. There has never been a 1 vs. 2 Iron Bowl in football.
Stewart Mandel, The Athletic (Via X-Twitter)
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It’s hard to believe given the history of the two programs, but Saturday’s basketball game at the Capstone will be one for the ages. Two “football” schools, it’s clear that both programs have developed into overall powerhouses.
“My goal is that we can harness the excitement and energy generated by SEC football, and then just carry that same passion and fandom into the winter so that SEC fans have grown so accustomed to, you know, cheering on their team all fall,” SEC men’s basketball associate commissioner Garth Glissman told the Tuscaloosa News. “It doesn’t have to stop when football season is over.”
One thing we know about sports in the state of Alabama, is that of the teams are good, you better expect a crowd. With no professional teams outside of minor league baseball, you either chant Roll Tide or War Eagle (unless your Jalen Hurts).
So it’s a long time coming, but at least these programs will both enjoy a spotlight that is much deserved.
We’ll see if Alabama can complete the Football-Basketball sweep.
