After spending part of my childhood in Northwest Florida, I grew up believing no rivalry could touch Florida-Florida State. The annual battles between legendary coaches Steve Spurrier and Bobby Bowden were always full of intrigue and the game was always nationally relevant.

Sadly, Florida-Florida State has lost some of its luster over the years. The game has meaning Saturday night as the Gators and ‘Noles battle in Tallahassee, but even in my mind it’s been surpassed by the Iron Bowl as the best rivalry in college football.

I went to my first Iron Bowl in 2013 — perhaps the most unforgettable game in the rivalry’s history — and haven’t missed one since. I’ll be back in the press box Saturday, covering the next chapter in a game that almost never disappoints.

The winner of this game has played in the college football playoff or national championship every year since 2009.

No other rivalry in America can even get close to touching that.

So, while it’s sort of true, I also laugh a little when I hear a national expert call the game “meaningless.” Technically, it kind of is meaningless as far as the College Football Playoff is concerned.

Unless Auburn wins by five touchdowns, Alabama will still be ranked in the top four of the College Football Playoff regardless of what happens Saturday. The Tide will also still play Florida for the SEC title in Atlanta. If Auburn wins, the Tigers aren’t likely to sniff the playoff committee’s top four. Losses to fading Texas A&M and mediocre Georgia will do that to you.

But meaningless? Don’t tell the players or fans that.

To many players on both sidelines, this is the biggest game they’ll ever play in. Growing up in Alabama, you’re supposed to be either an elephant or a tiger and no other answer is justifiable. In a state where we can’t consume enough football, the Iron Bowl is talked about 365 days a year. People in other states just can’t comprehend how big a deal it is.

I was one of those people until a few years ago, when I watched Chris Davis run down the sideline for the greatest win in college football history. That was the first college football game I’d ever covered and even now, it hasn’t sunk in that I was there.

I don’t know what’ll happen Saturday. On paper, Alabama should win the game. Auburn is dealing with a lot of injuries and the quarterback situation for the Tigers isn’t ideal. In my mind, the key is whether or not the Auburn offense can sustain drives.

If Auburn goes three and out a handful of times, it won’t matter how good the Tigers’ defense plays. Eventually Jalen Hurts and the Alabama offense is going to break through.

One thing is for sure — no matter who wins, it won’t be meaningless.

One fan base is going to be celebrating on Saturday night and talking about it for the next 365 days.