ESPN's College GameDay is no stranger to Auburn, and no stranger to the annual Auburn-Alabama game.
But this year's game could possibly be the biggest they have ever seen, with SEC championship and BCS implications on the line.
"It is truly the biggest," said ESPN Radio host Paul Finebaum. "I don't remember one quite like this, because both of these teams are legitimate national championship contenders, and the fact that Auburn could derail Alabama makes this one off the charts."
With Auburn's program worst 3-9 record in 2012 and a 49-0 loss to Alabama, GameDay was not expecting to be in Auburn for the game this year.
"If you would have told us last year that we would be here at the Iron Bowl with SEC and BCS implications, we'd call you crazy," said GameDay host Chris Fowler.
Fowler is not surprised at how big the atmosphere for this game will be on Saturday, because he said the Iron Bowl's special atmosphere is a big reason why the show is what it is today.
"We have a special place in our heart for the Iron Bowl," Fowler said. "The first full season of road shows in 94 we were at Legion Field, and then in 95 and 96. So the first three seasons of road shows we were at the Iron Bowl. You could tell right away there was something different and special about it. It's what the road shows are all about."
Even with SEC and BCS Championship implications on the line for the winner, Alabama is still considered a heavy favorite and most are not giving Auburn much of a chance on Saturday.
"I would say that it's going to be a phenomenal game for Auburn, but Alabama is going to win," Finebaum said.
ESPN analyst David Pollack, who played at the University of Georgia, said he knew Auburn would bounce back from last season's disappointment.
"It's the best turnaround in the country," Pollack said. "I don't ever expect Auburn to be down for a long period of time, and I don't think anybody does. This place recruits too well, and a lot of these guys were recruited for Gus's system and had familiarity with him, so I think it made it a smooth transition. I thought they would be successful, but I didn't think they would do this."
Finebaum who has covered 34 Iron Bowls in his career as a journalist in Alabama said he has seen some big upsets in both team's past but this one would be the biggest if Auburn pulls off the upset, and Monday would be an even crazier day than usual on his radio show.
"I think the South Carolina game a couple years ago (2010) people were beside themselves, and the A&M game last year even the governor came out and criticized coach (Nick) Saban, but I think this would be the all-timer because Alabama fans aren't really thinking about losing this game," Finebaum said. "I think they are really more concerned about Missouri next week or maybe Florida State. It is not a part of (Alabama fans) DNA to think they are going to lose to Auburn."
GameDay will be live in Auburn at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Green Space on the east side of Jordan-Hare Stadium. The fan area will open at 6 a.m.
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