Once again, Auburn vs. Texas A&M is a huge game for Gus Malzahn's tenure

The Tigers and their head coach could really use a win over the Aggies this Saturday. Where have we heard that one before?

(All photos courtesy of Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics)

Very little about the 2020 college football season feels normal.

But here’s one thing that remains the same — Auburn is entering a game against Texas A&M that feels like it could be crucial for the season as a whole and Gus Malzahn’s tenure.

Even in a pandemic-affected schedule, where a delayed start meant that there was a game originally scheduled after the Iron Bowl, Auburn vs. Texas A&M means a lot for the Tigers.

“We're all programmed that, Iron Bowl's over with, you're thinking about postseason, whatever that means,” Malzahn said Tuesday. “And then, you know, obviously we came off a tough loss. The unique thing is we got a top five team coming in. We’ve got a chance to redeem ourselves.”

Saturday will mark the eighth time Auburn has played Texas A&M under Malzahn. The Tigers are 5-2 in those games, and each of those results were — to differing degrees — turning points for those seasons.

Let’s go back, game by game:

2013: Auburn ups…