Alabama and Auburn: Exploring the Possibility of International College Football Games

Where Could Alabama and Auburn Play International Games?

Georgia Tech's recent victory over No. 10 Florida State in Dublin, Ireland has sparked an exciting idea: What if Alabama and Auburn played their first international games?

With the college football season underway, No. 5 Alabama is set to play Western Kentucky at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and Auburn will face Alabama A&M at 6:30 p.m. These early matchups aren't as high-profile as some other games this week, such as Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M or LSU vs. USC in Las Vegas.

This season marks the start of a new 12-team playoff format, making every game crucial. Auburn will face Cal in Week 2, and Alabama will play Wisconsin in Week 3. These are notable games, but imagine Alabama opening against Notre Dame in Dublin or Auburn starting their season in Tokyo against Oregon.

The idea of spreading college football's passion globally is thrilling, and Alabama might even enjoy a bit of international Bama Rush.

Flag football, which was featured in the 2022 Birmingham World Games, will also be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. With so many people coming to the Deep South for college football, it's time to consider promoting that experience abroad with international games.

Alabama's ties to Mercedes-Benz suggest Stuttgart, Germany, could be a great location for a game. What about UAB vs. Memphis in Birmingham, England one year and then in Alexandria, Egypt the next? Time to update those passports!

Saban's Thoughts on Auburn

Nick Saban made his ESPN College GameDay debut in Dublin, showing his usual expertise. Despite his transition to a commentator, he's maintaining neutrality well. He predicts Georgia will win the national championship and sees Auburn as the most improved team in the league.

Saban and GameDay will head to College Station, Texas, next week for Texas A&M’s game against Notre Dame, marking coach Mike Elko’s debut with the Aggies.

Saban's predictions didn't quite pan out this week, as he chose FSU over Georgia Tech. Does he still have the magic touch?

Is Georgia Tech Back on Track?

Congratulations to Trussville native Brent Key for his win against FSU. As Georgia Tech’s coach and an alumnus, Key could be a rising star from the Birmingham area.

Georgia Tech has a storied football history and could return to prominence. With FSU’s legal battle with the ACC and speculation about conference shifts, Georgia Tech might be a valuable addition to the Big Ten, especially given its academic and athletic credentials.

Mailbag

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This week’s standout email is from Jim in Scottsboro, who praised the article about Bo Nix. Jim reflects on Bo’s journey from Scottsboro High to Auburn and now the NFL, highlighting the family's impact and success despite challenges.

Joseph Goodman is the lead sports columnist for the Alabama Media Group and author of “We Want Bama: A Season of Hope and the Making of Nick Saban’s Ultimate Team.”