In a highly-anticipated segment of ESPN's "College GameDay," the panel of analysts broke down the upcoming Iron Bowl clash between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers. With former Michigan star Aidan Hutchinson, a Detroit Lions' standout and a guest picker for the day, the panel unanimously predicted winners in six games but abstained from picking the intense rivalry game.

However, the analysts did not hold back in dissecting the crucial matchup.

Desmond Howard highlighted the significance of the game for Auburn, emphasizing that the Tigers lost to New Mexico State recently and will be looking to bounce back with an inspired performance against Alabama. "This is their Super Bowl. This is their championship," Howard emphasized, expecting Auburn to come out with immense motivation.

On the other hand, the panel stressed the importance for Alabama to weather the storm early and prevent Auburn from gaining confidence. Howard warned that letting the Tigers hang around could prove costly, urging the Crimson Tide to play their brand of football and not play down to their opponent's level.

Kirk Herbstreit chimed in, highlighting the growth and development of this year's Alabama team. He pointed to their progress throughout the season, starting from their early matchups against Texas and USF. Herbstreit expressed his doubt that Auburn would pull off an upset, given Alabama's consistent improvement week after week.

Jalen Milroe and Jermaine Burton were mentioned as key contributors to the Crimson Tide's success, with Milroe's exceptional performance and Burton's playmaking abilities being key factors in Alabama's strong showing. The panel also shared insights from a conversation with Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who expressed his satisfaction with the team's mindset and their relentless pursuit of improvement following their loss.

The analysts ultimately agreed that this Alabama team is different from previous ones, attributing their growth and resilience to the early-season loss. With their eyes set on a potential College Football Playoff berth, Alabama remains focused on their goal and strives to continue their impressive form in the Iron Bowl.

As the Iron Bowl approaches, fans and football enthusiasts alike eagerly await the clash between these two powerhouse programs on the gridiron. The game is set to be a thrilling battle, with both teams eager to secure a victory and make their mark in this historic rivalry.

In summary, ESPN's "College GameDay" analysts have dissected the upcoming Iron Bowl showdown between Alabama and Auburn, assessing both team's strengths and emphasizing the significance of the game for Auburn. They highlighted Alabama's need to control the game early and prevent Auburn from gaining confidence while acknowledging the relentless improvement of this year's Alabama team. The stage is set for a gripping and highly-competitive contest between these bitter rivals.