Malik Blocton, a freshmen defensive lineman from Pike Road, was one of those kids, growing up less than an hour from Auburn’s campus. When speaking to reporters on Monday, he claimed that he had watched every Iron Bowl since he was 5 years old, mentioning the Auburn wins in 2013 and 2019 as two of his best Iron Bowl memories.

Auburn freshman linebacker Demarcus Riddick has enjoyed a late-season breakout after starting the year playing limited snaps for DJ Durkin's defense. The Clanton, Alabama native has registered at least one tackle for loss in his past three games,

Riddick had much to say about Alabama, Jalen Milroe and Ryan Williams — including that he wouldn't lose to the Crimson Tide in his college career.

There will be a new family dynamic to the Iron Bowl this year when Alabama football faces Auburn on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.