Auburn football: Back to grind with living, breathing College Football Playoff hopes

Auburn football is the No. 1 topic in the War Eagle Wakeup every day — but we cover news, notes and analysis from across the Tigers’ sports world. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Auburn football, recruiting, basketball and more.

Texas A&M has the Tigers’ attention 

Recovered and rested. That’s exactly what Auburn is now that the Tigers have had a week off. Things are back to normal Tuesday. Gus Malzahn will speak to the media later this morning and preview Auburn’s game against a talented Texas A&M team.

This week is big for several reasons. First, it’s the initial stepping-stone that could lead Auburn to throw the college football world into a tizzy.

Even if Auburn beats both No. 2 Georgia and No. 1 Alabama, it’s not going to mean much if the Tigers can’t down Texas A&M.

It’s also Jarrett Stidham’s first game back in the Lone Star State since leaving Baylor (there will be more on that later this week on SECCountry.com/auburn, so keep an eye out).

In short, everyone’s a little energized and very eager for the remainder of the season. There still seems to be a chance that Auburn can be a two-loss team considered for the College Football Playoff, but only time and results will tell.

Fresh off a bye, it’s game week! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/TxFULm6s4k

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) October 30, 2017

Tuesday is the day 

That brings us to another important point. On Tuesday night, the first CFP rankings will be released.

Make sure you’re tuning in or following the different SEC Country platforms to learn where the committee places the Tigers.

Who’s In? College Football Playoff Selection Committee Weekly Rankings Unveiled Exclusively on ESPN https://t.co/p1SNlqcldp CC: @CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/c6TVvtL0xF

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 30, 2017

In other Auburn football news:

• Jeff Holland’s pass-rushing “gift” keeps giving Auburn football a defensive boost.
• Auburn football can’t repeat the same mistakes against Texas A&M’s highly ranked pass rush.
• A healthy Kamryn Pettway gives Auburn football’s offense “a different element.”
• Where Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers should be ranked in the first College Football Playoff rankings.
• Auburn may be the third-best team in the SEC.
• The Auburn Tigers are favored against Georgia, but are two-touchdown underdogs in the Iron Bowl.

It’s SEC Tournament time, y’all 

Auburn soccer (7-5-5, 4-2-4 SEC) is in Orange Beach, Fla., ready to take on the SEC Tournament. The Tigers will open with a match against Florida on Tuesday.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT and you can catch it on SEC Network.

Karen Hoppa’s team snagged the No. 6 seed and earned a first-round bye. Auburn also was the No. 6 seed seven times before and played for the conference title in 2001, 2005 and 2012.

Stay tuned to see what happens.

Ready to roll. ⚽️#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/1w7bN1D118

— Auburn Soccer (@AuburnSoccer) October 30, 2017

Don’t miss these Tigers 

Auburn baseball will scrimmage this week at Plainsman Park.

The temperature has dropped a little bit on the Plains, but don’t let that deter you. These are the times you can catch Butch Thompson’s team in action. The away football weekend is the perfect time to see the action on the diamond, too.

3️⃣ more weeks to catch us at Plainsman Park. Don't miss the action.#WarEagle | #Attack pic.twitter.com/R5jUtE31Kp

— Auburn Baseball (@AuburnBaseball) October 30, 2017

Tweet of the day 

There’s a lot happening in college football. Make sure you’re following Auburn recruiting expert @BenjaminWolk to see what’s up.

Here's how Jim McElwain's departure from Florida could benefit the Auburn recruiting class. | https://t.co/dYSVBMJZce pic.twitter.com/9mu8BQiJLy

— Benjamin Wolk (@benjaminwolk) October 30, 2017

Miss a previous edition? Find every post of SEC Country’s daily War Eagle Wakeup Auburn football post right here.

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