The Auburn freshman is making a bold claim ahead of the Iron Bowl game against Alabama in Week 14 of college football

Auburn Tigers freshman linebacker Demarcus Riddick means business ahead of the Week 14 game against Alabama, better known as the Iron Bowl.

The stakes couldn’t be greater. Auburn maintained its bowl eligibility with an upset win over Texas A&M in its home finale last week, securing its second SEC win.

On the contrary, Alabama is licking its nerves after suffering its third regular season loss to Oklahoma that same evening in Norman. The Crimson Tide managed just three points, their fewest in over a decade. Quarterback Jalen Milroe also had big problems and threw three interceptions.

Now there is no room for error for Alabama. This Saturday’s Auburn game is a must-see to get into the College Football Playoff, even as a lower seed. Not only does this confirm that the SEC is one of, if not the best conference in the country, but it also shows that the Crimson Tide can win without Nick Saban and fully adapt to a new regime led by coach Kalen DeBoer.

The 2024 Iron Bowl has become personal

Even though Riddick had never played in the game before, he took a shot at Ryan Williams, the 17-year-old wideout who was quickly turning heads as Alabama’s No. 1 offensive playmaker.

“Ryan Williams is not a great player to me,” Riddick said. “As long as I’m here, I won’t lose to Bama.”

That’s easier said than done for Auburn, which has failed to beat Alabama in its last four attempts.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET in Tuscaloosa.