By Jordan SiglerShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSaturday's "Iron Bowl" matchup between No. 10 Alabama and Auburn will have plenty at stake for both programs.
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The Crimson Tide need to win to likely make the SEC championship and College Football Playoff. The 5-6 Tigers would become bowl eligible with a win.
Interim head coach D.J. Durkin might be feeling extra pressure on Saturday to beat Auburn's rival.
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Per Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, the Tigers could give Durkin the head coaching job if he beats Alabama on Saturday.
"Durkin is a serious candidate for the full-time job at Auburn, something athletic director John Cohen has voiced publicly, and a win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl could lead to his promotion, many around the program believe," Dellenger wrote.
Last week, Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall was the leading target for Auburn.
“Jon Sumrall's going to Auburn,” Godfrey said on the Phantom Island” podcast last week. “… As of right now, Jon Sumrall is going to Auburn. I've heard conflicting schedules on how Auburn would handle a Tulane playoff run. But yeah, if you're Auburn right now, you need to be cheering against Tulane (qualifying for the College Football Playoff).”
While the Tigers consider promoting Durkin, another SEC program appears to be an option for Sumrall amid speculation he could replace Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss if Kiffin leaves.
Dellenger connected Sumrall to Florida.
"Sumrall, the 43-year-old who’s 41-11 in four seasons as a head coach, has a connection to both Auburn and Ole Miss," Dellenger wrote. "He’s from Alabama and his wife graduated from Auburn. He coached Ole Miss for a season in 2018 and still has deep ties in Oxford.
"Perhaps there’s a third school here, too? If Kiffin isn’t the man at Florida, maybe Sumrall is."
The spread between Alabama and Auburn is fairly close despite the two not having similar records. The Crimson Tide are a 3.5-point favorite to win on the road.
If Durkin pulls off the upset, he may get to coach the rivalry again in 2026.
"Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER."
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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