If things go real well this season, Auburn will play in the Cotton Bowl Classic or Orange Bowl on Dec. 29. That would mean the Tigers likely won the SEC (or not, if you’re Alabama in 2017) on their way to a spot in the four-team playoff.
But most outlets are eyeing the defending national champion Crimson Tide to find their way back into the playoff this season, leaving Auburn in position for a good bowl game, but not one of the bowl games.
The winners of the Dec. 29 semifinal matchups meet Jan. 7 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.