The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic released the official hype video to preview the Sept. 1 matchup in Atlanta, Georgia between No. 6 Washington and No. 9 Auburn.
With the season opener one week from Saturday the Huskies have been preparing the past three weeks for their first ever meeting with the Tigers. UW holds a 2-11 record all-time against Southeastern Conference opponents, 0-1 under Chris Petersen with the 24-7 loss in 2016 against Alabama.
Their cross-country counterparts have faired better traditionally against teams from the Pac-12 Conference. Here are some preview statistics that the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic public relations staff has provided:
Best Opening Weekend Matchup:
With the release of the preseason AP Top 25 poll, this year’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game matchup between No. 6 Washington and No. 9 Auburn, is the highest-ranked opening weekend matchup in college football this season. It also represents the only top-10 game of Week 1.ESPN’s Football Power Index ranked this year’s game as the third-most important game for the College Football Playoff race throughout the entire season.
A Game of Firsts:
This year’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will be Washington’s first trip to the game, the first Pac-12 vs. SEC matchup in the game, and the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and Huskies.
The Huskies currently hold a 2-11 all-time record vs. current SEC teams, while the Tigers are 8-3 all-time against current members of the Pac-12 conference
.While this will be the Pac-12’s first appearance in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, the SEC boasts an 11-2 record in the game to date.
Familiar Territory:
Auburn is making its third appearance in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, which represents the second-most appearances of any program.
The Tigers previously defeated Louisville 31-24 in the 2015 game and fell 26-19 to Clemson in 2012.
The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will also be Auburn’s third-straight game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Tiger’s 105th game in Atlanta (48-48-8 record).
With Washington’s appearance in this year’s game, the Huskies become the farthest team ever to travel into Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game (2,633 miles). The Huskies’ last game in the city was back in 2016 when Washington played in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
