Warning for Washington, Auburn: Kickoff Game can be critical

ATLANTA (AP) — One game does not make or break a season.

Especially the opener.

Then again, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game has often been an accurate predictor of where the season is headed for both teams.

Keep that in mind when No. 6 Washington faces No. 9 Auburn on Saturday.

The ramifications of this first-of-September contest might still be lingering come December.

"The fact that we are playing a really high-profile game brings a little bit more to the table on both sides from a national standpoint," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said.

While Washington's Chris Petersen warned of placing too much importance on a single game — "We can't make it bigger than it is," the coach said — he is no doubt…