No. 1 Alabama, No. 4 Auburn gearing up for 1 of biggest games in Iron Bowl history

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron (10) thanks the fans after a 49-0 win over Chattanooga in an NCAA college football game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) (The Associated Press)

ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, NOV. 23-24 - FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2013 file photo, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn reacts to a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida Atlantic in Auburn, Ala. No. 6 Auburn's first-year coach has outdone himself this season, taking a down-and-out program back into Southeastern Conference and perhaps national title contention with his no-huddle offense and his unflappable focus. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File) (The Associated Press)

AUBURN, Ala. – Alabama and Auburn are preparing for one of the biggest Iron Bowls in history.

The top-ranked Crimson Tide and No. 4 Auburn meet Saturday in only the in-state rivalry's second Top-5 matchup. It's a winner-takes-the-SEC-West game between two-time defending national champion Alabama and another surprising contender.

The only other Top-5 Iron Bowl matchup came in 1971. Bear Bryant's No. 3 Alabama beat No. 5 Auburn and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Pat Sullivan 31-7.

Hundreds of RVs filled a lot down the street from Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday — even though campers can't stay overnight until mid-week.

Tide quarterback AJ McCarron insists Auburn is merely "the next team in our way" whatever the Tigers' record. Tigers H-back Jay Prosch says it has felt like preparation for any other game so far.