Joe Lunardi updates March Madness seeding implications in Alabama vs. Arkansas after Auburn loss

As if the Alabama–Auburn rivalry needed any more juice, the two programs are currently fighting for the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Auburn currently has the top spot but wound up losing on Saturday to Florida. Alabama is next up, having a tough game against Arkansas for the nightcap.

But according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Alabama cannot jump their in-state foes with a win. He says Auburn still has the top spot still on lock despite suffering a home loss. The gap can certainly be closed but even with a win, Alabama will stay at No. 2 in his projections.

Arkansas has plenty on the line too after magically finding itself back on the bubble. Lunardi says beating Alabama will result in John Calipari‘s team being included in the 68-team field. As of now, the Razorbacks are a part of the ‘Last Four Out’ group, sitting at the top.

“Bama’s position is locked but Arkansas moves into the field with a win,” Lunardi said via X.

Three more results will be decided before Alabama and Auburn face off against each other on Feb. 15 in Tuscaloosa. A scenario could present itself where more than just bragging rights could be at stake. It’s a race for the SEC regular season championship but head-to-head results could decide who is the top seed on Selection Sunday.

First up for the Crimson Tide, a big-time matchup against a sudden red-hot Arkansas team.

ESPN College GameDay heading to Tuscaloosa for Alabama-Auburn

ESPN College GameDay will head to Tuscaloosa for the top-three showdown between No. 1 Auburn and No. 3 Alabama on Saturday, Feb. 15.

This will be the first time one of Alabama men’s basketball’s games will host ESPN College GameDay this season, while it will be Auburn’s second. The Tigers previously hosted ESPN’s flagship pregame show for their game on Jan. 25 against then No. 6 Tennessee.

For Alabama, the Crimson Tide are 8-1 in SEC play and have won their last five games heading into the weekend. However, they’re 13-1 dating back to late November as many teams haven’t found a way to keep up with Alabama’s scoring volume.

Meanwhile, Auburn has largely looked like one of the most dominant teams in the country and they sit alone atop the conference standings. They’re undefeated in SEC play heading into the weekend.

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this report