Projection and game notes: No. 2 Auburn vs. No. 16 Purdue

AUBURN -- Can Auburn do it again before SEC play? Can the second-ranked Tigers take down yet another quality non-conference opponent? That's the challenge in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon. The Battle in Birmingham presented by Alabama Department of Public Health is up next for No. 2 Auburn (10-1) as it prepares for a Saturday showdown with No. 16 Purdue (8-3) before a sold-out crowd at Legacy Arena. The contest is part of a two-game series with the Boilermakers as both teams will take part in the Indy Classic next season in Indianapolis.