Nate Oats weighs in on whether Auburn fans should cheer for Alabama or Maryland

You don’t have to pay attention too hard to figure out that Alabama and Auburn are not fans of each other’s teams. Does not matter the time, place, occasion, or sport — the two sets of fans are going to be rooting against one another on a consistent basis.

Not everybody agrees with this sentiment, though. Alabama head coach Nate Oats says Auburn fans should be rooting for Alabama come Saturday’s Round of 32 game against Maryland. His logic? Other SEC teams advancing in the NCAA Tournament are good for the conference, no matter the logo.

“Some will, I’m sure,” Oats said on Auburn fans rooting against Alabama. “They can’t help themselves. It is what it is. I’ll say this: for our league, I’m pulling for the SEC. I want the SEC teams to do well. We need it for our league. NCAA tournament success bodes well for our league. Hopefully, they’re smart enough to know they should be pulling for the SEC.”

The two sets of fans will be packed into the same arena in Birmingham on Saturday, with both teams looking to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Alabama will be heavy favorites against Maryland, while Auburn is playing the underdog role against Houston.

Even though it’s against Oats’ wishes, the environment will most likely be neutral for both games. Alabama will be cheering for Houston, while Auburn will want Maryland to knock off their in-state rivals. A fun atmosphere should be in the cards at the BJCC.

Fans not might agree but those on the Auburn side are in the same boat as Oats. Tigers star Zep Jasper said he will be rooting for Alabama to win throughout the entire tournament. His logic was wanting to see another team from the state have success, even if they are bitter rivals.

“I’m actually cheering for Alabama I want to see them win I want to see them have success because they’re another team from Alabama,” Jasper said.

Once we are past Saturday, we are unlikely to see Alabama and Auburn fans in the same arena again. Unless both are going to make runs to the Final Four and end up in Houston, the next matchup will take place in 2024. From there, the rivalry will be back on from Oats’ perspective.

Until then, winning games in the NCAA Tournament is the top priority. No matter who is sitting in the seats, Oats will want to be advancing and continue to compete for a national championship.