Good morning, Auburn.

Sports commentator Paul Finebaum is weighing a run for the U.S. Senate and faces challenges like fundraising, endorsements, and shaping his policy positions — his strong name recognition could shake up the GOP primary race.

He said he will decide after the college football season and his entry is expected to stir the political landscape.

Auburn University’s 1856 – Culinary Residence became the first restaurant in Auburn and the first teaching restaurant in the country to get a Michelin Guide recommendation (the award was given on November 3 during the Michelin Guide American South selection).

The restaurant is in its third year and works with top chefs and students to serve meals made with local produce (it is housed at the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center).

Alabama football beat Eastern Illinois 56—0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday.

The coaches and AP polls released Sunday kept the team at No. 10, and a win against Auburn on Saturday will secure their spot in the SEC championship game.

Former Hoover High star George Pickens—now with the Dallas Cowboys—reached 1,000 receiving yards this season after he recorded nine catches for 146 yards and one touchdown in the 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov.

23rd.

Huntsville High School’s boys swim team won the Class 6A/7A title on Saturday by scoring 372 points—earning their 10th straight championship and a record 22 state titles; the girls claimed their 13th title with 236 points while Auburn’s boys team finished as runner-up.

Other schools also won titles in additional classes at the state meet.

Alabama football will face playoff uncertainty ahead of its Iron Bowl clash against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT; a loss will likely end their playoff chances and projections by ESPN, CBS and On3 predict a No. 10 seed with possible road match-ups in future rounds—adding pressure before the game.

Voters in Auburn can choose the top high school football performance from last week’s playoffs, with the AL.com Player of the Week vote open until Wednesday morning — the winner will be announced on social media on Thursday and featured in this newsletter next Sunday.

Evan McPherson, a former Fort Payne High School standout, kicked a 63-yard field goal for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Paycor Stadium and broke the Alabama record previously held by Will Reichard and Rob Bironas+ his kick was the 14th in NFL history of 63 or more yards this season.

On Saturday, Auburn beat Mercer 62-17 with freshman Deuce Knight scoring four rushing touchdowns, including a 75-yard run on his first play from scrimmage—while the Tigers forced two turnovers and held Mercer to 113 yards in the second half as they prepare for next week's Iron Bowl.

Iron Bowl: Bama vs Auburn

6:00 PM – 9:59 PM — Jordan-Hare Stadium — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience the thrilling rivalry of Alabama football in one of college sports' most storied matchups.

Feed Milling Workshop

8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Charles C. Miller Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center — Registration required — Expand knowledge in feed milling operations for industry professionals.

ACC/SEC Challenge: NC State at Auburn Basketball

8:00-9:45 p.m. — Neville Arena — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy an exciting college basketball matchup featuring the NC State Wolfpack against the Auburn Tigers.

Alcorn State Braves at Auburn Tigers Women's Basketball

6-7:30 p.m. — Neville Arena — Cost info not provided — Witness an exciting collegiate women's basketball matchup between the Alcorn State Braves and Auburn Tigers.