The 5 Toughest Games On Auburn's Schedule In 2016

College football is unique in that a single loss could mean the difference between a conference championship (or the ultimate regular-season goal, a College Football Playoff spot) and ending up in an average bowl game. If the Auburn Tigers want to reach their goal of winning the SEC and competing for a College Football Playoff berth in 2016, they need to win some of their most challenging games. Here are Auburn's five toughest games heading into this year:

5. at Georgia Bulldogs (November 12th) 
Georgia is a very talented team, and new head coach Kirby Smart is expected to take them to new heights. Sanford Stadium is also one of the hardest places to play in the SEC. Auburn doesn't have many road games this year, but three of the four are challenging ones and make this list. 

4. LSU Tigers (September 24th)
Auburn's defense is looking to get revenge after LSU's Leonard Fournette ran all over them last year. He leads another very talented LSU team into this one, and LSU will be favorites. Playing at home could help the Tigers. 

3. at Ole Miss Rebels (October 29th) 
Ole Miss lost some big names, but quarterback Chad Kelly is back and this team has recruited well in recent years. Playing this game on the road will be extremely tough, and the loser of this game will likely be out of the SEC West title race.

2. at Alabama Crimson Tide (November 26th) 
As we know, anything can happen in the Iron Bowl, but Auburn will be at a big disadvantage playing on the road against the defending national champions. Still, these games are usually close and that should be the case this year. 

1. Clemson Tigers (September 3rd)
Playing in the SEC is always a tough task, but Auburn also has one of the better non-conference matchups this year. Clemson is one of the favorites to win the College Football Playoff this year, and Auburn gets them to start the season. Playing at home helps, but this battle of the Tigers doesn't look to favorable for Auburn. 

Follow our Auburn Tigers news page for all the latest Auburn football news!