Auburn's 10 Best SEC Games in 2014

The SEC unveiled the 2014 basketball schedules on Tuesday, meaning that we finally got our first look at Auburn's SEC schedule for this season. Now that we've all had plenty of time to pore over the fine details of the schedule, (which can be viewed here by the way) I decided to take it upon myself to rank the best 10 SEC games in the upcoming season. I ordered them based on an advanced formula of significance, excitement, and a host of other factors. It's science, people, trust me. Let's just jump right in with #10:

10. Mississippi State (2/15, 12:30 pm, SEC Network)

I know what you're thinking: "Mississippi State is one of the top SEC games? Lame!" And I agree, they are lame. Even still, you can't ignore the fact that 3 of the last 4 meetings between the Tigers and the Bulldogs were decided by exactly 3 points, meaning that you're on track for some exciting basketball when these two meet. My prediction? Auburn by 3.

9. at Florida (2/19, 6 pm, FSN)

I have our first road game of the bunch at #9, when the Tigers will find themselves in the good old O'Connell Center facing the Florida Gators. This one will be a tough out, but it took Florida breaking Kenny Gabriel's back to win the last time Auburn visited, so the Tigers may just have a chance to pull off the upset.

8. at Texas A&M (3/8, 3 pm, SEC Network)

Though Texas A&M has done well so far in football, they haven't quite achieved 2006-07 level in basketball since joining the SEC. This game is still an interesting one though because it will be Auburn basketball's first trip to College Station for an SEC game. It's also a rematch of last year's SEC tournament disaster, so Auburn should have a little extra motivation.

7. at Alabama (3/1, 2 pm, ESPNU)

Of course the game at Alabama is on the list! Sure, Coleman Coliseum is kind of a dump and Alabama's student section pretty much consists of 5 guys (6 if you count this guy's disembodied head), but the last time Auburn won a basketball game in Tuscaloosa was in 2009, so I'm more than ready to finally get another win. Besides, I've already said that Auburn has this one in the bag, so you know it's going to happen.

6. Tennessee (3/5, 7 pm, SEC Network)

Enough road games for now, because we still have plenty of home games to be excited about, like the Tennessee game. Late in the season, the Volunteers will be coming to town, and some believe that they could be an NCAA tournament team when it's all said and done, which means we may have a great bubble busting opportunity on our hands. Plus, it's senior night!

5. Florida (1/18, 3 pm, SEC Network)

Now here's a familiar face. We've already seen the road version of this game on the list, but before that one even happens Florida has to pay a visit to Auburn Arena. All indications are that the Gators will be a great team, as they have been for many years, but replacing some key starters may leave them vulnerable to an early January upset on the Plains.

4. at Ole Miss (1/9, 6 pm, ESPN or ESPN2)

If you have any memory at all of last season, you understand why this game is so high on the list. Even though we won't be seeing college basketball's trashiest player in Auburn Arena this year, it's still a chance for Auburn to avenge last season's debacle. Plus, it's the first SEC game of the year and it will be on ESPN or ESPN2, so this game is huge for starting the SEC schedule off in a big way.

3. Missouri (1/11, 1 pm, ESPNU)

The next game on the list is also the next game in the season, when Missouri makes their first ever trip to Auburn Arena. It won't be the first trip for all of their roster though, as it will be Auburn reject Earnest Ross' return trip to Auburn. Don't worry, the Jungle will have plenty in store for him. This is also the first SEC home game and it's on a Saturday against a very good opponent, so the Arena will be rocking.

2. Alabama (1/29, 7 pm, SEC Network)

There isn't anything quite like the Auburn-Alabama rivalry, even on the hardwood. Last year's game was full of surprises, (remember a certain Heisman trophy-winning quarterback helping out the Jungle?) and this year looks to be no different as Auburn seems to finally have the edge over their in-state rival. The reverse Rammer Jammer at the end of the game will be oh so sweet.

1. Kentucky (2/12, 7 pm, SEC Network)

Come on, you knew this was coming. Kentucky has dominated the SEC for the last few years, and always seems to be the premiere team in the league. The Wildcats will come to town once again loaded with McDonald's All-Americans, and Tony Barbee has still yet to beat his mentor John Calipari, making this the ultimate David vs. Goliath showdown. Will the court finally be stormed in Auburn Arena?


Now that you've seen what I think are the best games in the 2014 SEC schedule, what do you think? Would you take Alabama off the list because they really suck and no one cares about them? Find this list lacking a little South Carolina Gamecock? Leave a comment below or tweet me at @AUJungleKing to let me know how you would rank the games!