AUBURN, Ala. (AP) The big question facing Auburn is no longer whether the Tigers can beat rivals Georgia and Alabama.

They answered that emphatically last November, wresting the Southeastern Conference Western Division title from the rival Crimson Tide. Winning an SEC title and January bowl game proved more elusive.

Auburn once again appears likely to be 'Bama's top challenger in the West with a talented defensive line and the return of standout quarterback Jarrett Stidham. The team will have to navigate what coach Gus Malzahn has been calling "the toughest schedule in college football."