Ranking Auburn's biggest games of 2017

Auburn Spring Football Practice

Which team is Auburn's toughest opponent?

Auburn's schedule will likely be ranked in the top 10 and once again features both teams who competed for the College Football Playoff national championship last season.

How do Auburn's opponents rank? AL.com examines Auburn's schedule and ranks teams from 12 to 1 in terms of difficulty.

Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com

Auburn vs. ULM

Auburn defensive lineman Dontavius Russell (95) grabs at ULM quarterback Garrett Smith during the first half Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.

11. ULM, Nov. 18

Another glorified punching bag of an opponent, ULM returns to Jordan-Hare following last year's 58-7 dismantling. There has been a time when Auburn had to try to beat ULM, in 2012, and maybe there will be again, but it won't be in 2017 between the Georgia and Alabama games.

Even with Auburn surely looking to rest personnel for the Iron Bowl the following week, ULM has no realistic chance at winning.

Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com

Jags look to improve ground game Saturday

Georgia Southern linebacker Ukeme Eligwe (7) tackles South Alabama running back Xavier Johnson (28) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Mobile, Ala.

10. Georgia Southern, Sept. 2

Georgia Southern presents a unique challenge for Auburn due to its triple option offense, a style of attack the Tigers haven't seen in a long time. With that said, since it's the season opening game Auburn will have time to tactically prepare. The key for the Tigers will be to break open the game as fast as possible and prevent the Eagles from hanging around with a possession-based offense.

Mike Kittrell/AL.com via AP

Missouri sub quarterback wins freshman showdown

Missouri quarterback Drew Lock scrambles as he looks for a receiver during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 24-10.

9. at Missouri, Sept. 23

If ever Auburn got a good time to make its first trip to an SEC opponent it came this year will Missouri. Columbia can be a tough environment if there's something at stake but with little to cheer for Auburn could silence the home crowd quickly. Missouri is coming off a 4-8 season and was the worst team in the SEC a year ago. For Mizzou to snap a losing streak to ranked team against either a 3-0 or 2-1 Auburn team would be stunning.

AP Photo/L.G. Patterson

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