TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — We’re finally here.
The end of a long road. For many Auburn fans, a merciful conclusion to a brutal fall.
And yet, there’s still the formality of possible college football’s most fervent rivalry to be played. Sixty minutes of football which, no matter what, will be dissected in full for the next 370 days (yes, there’s a year and a week separating Iron Bowl 2012 and Iron Bowl 2013.)
To get you properly pumped, here’s twenty links (20!!!) from the week in @WarEagleExtra coverage, leading up to Auburn at No. 2 Alabama.
Saturday
GAMEDAY PREVIEW | What do the Tigers play for? The Auburn family, not knocking out Alabama
Friday
LIVE CHAT | Recap the fan chat, pushed back a day to Black Friday
SATURDAY SELECTIONS | Aaron Brenner breaks down and predicts the biggest games around the country
BEAT COLUMN | Brenner: Hang in there, it gets better
LOCAL ANGLE | Jonathan Wallace excited to see former Central center on Alabama sideline
Thursday
BEHIND ENEMY LINES | 5 Questions with Decatur Daily sports editor/Alabama beat writer Mark Edwards
TIGERS IN THE NFL | Nick Fairley highlights Week 11 edition
IRON BOWL PICKS | 22 of 23 state writers, editors tab Alabama to win the Iron Bowl
DEAL OR NO DEAL? | So much has changed since Chizik’s contract was reworked to add buyout clause
Wednesday
YAHOO! REPORT | Add Yahoo! Sports to the list of outlets reporting possible NCAA investigation of Auburn recruiting practices
SABAN SPEAKS | Alabama coach says Iron Bowl has “special edge”, praises Auburn freshman QB Jonathan Wallace
SEC POWER RANKINGS | Plus Brenner’s bowl projections for the league’s best
TUESDAY NOTES | Chizik, Saban share mutual respect; Auburn D-Liners recall nastiness in Tuscaloosa
TRE MASON GRAND? | Just 80 yards from a milestone, Auburn sophomore tailback won’t get to 1,000 easily
Tuesday
BATTLING THE ODDS | History not on Chizik’s side with SEC coaches who produce winless league slate
THE HANGOVER, PART XI | Scouting the Alabama Crimson Tide
Monday
SUNDAY NOTES | Jonathan Wallace continues to draw rave reviews
‘NO REGRETS’ | Chizik sticks with his decision to go pro-style over spread
Sunday
UNDERDOG FOR THE AGES | Alabama opens as 34-point favorite over Auburn
SEC TIEBREAKER SCENARIOS | Just in case Auburn rocks the SEC West boat (**NOTE: Texas A&M has been eliminated from SEC title game contention, by virtue of LSU’s victory over Arkansas Friday. If the Crimson Tide OR Missouri wins today, Alabama meets Georgia in Atlanta; if the Tide loses and A&M beats Mizzou, LSU will meet the Bulldogs.)