[Tuck4Bama]

It wasn't scheduled to be a "big" game. It was scheduled to be a decent test that would result in a victory over a team from a BCS conference.

But Auburn's game against South Florida on Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium is a big one indeed. A win could and probably would send the Tigers to Gainesville on Sept. 29 with a 4-0 record, a top 10 national ranking and growing confidence.

A loss to South Florida wouldn't mean the season was lost. But it would raise all kinds of questions, most of them troubling, as a schedule that includes road games at Florida, Arkansas, LSU and Georgia unfolds.

And it would be a big mistake to think that South Florida does not have the wherewithal to win at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Bulls have some big-time talent on both sides of the ball.

Auburn's defense, it would appear, is good enough to beat South Florida and to give the Tigers a chance against pretty much anyone. The offense? It must get better in a hurry.

AU vs. South Florida: It's big, all right - Tracking the Tigers - al.com