“Auburn Week” is finally here for UGA, and Auburn coach Gus Malzahn kicked it off on Sunday evening with some very complimentary words for the Bulldogs:

Georgia “is maybe the most talented” team in the country, Malzahn told the reporters.

That’s a pretty strong statement for Malzahn, who is usually very neutral and bland in his media comments.

On top of that, surely that team from the other side of the state (Alabama) could be interpreting that statement many different ways – and Auburn’s showdown with Alabama will close out the regular season for both teams.

But this week it’s No. 5-ranked UGA at No. 13 Auburn.

There’s a lot at stake for both teams, especially the Bulldogs. If UGA wins, it will clinch the SEC East title and a berth in the conference championship game. Just as importantly, a win over Auburn will keep the Bulldogs in strong contention for a berth in the College Football Playoff.

While UGA beat Missouri on Saturday, Auburn had a bye week and was able to begin early preparations for the Bulldogs. Said Malazahn: “We came back (this weekend), a lot of really good meetings. It was a positive practice. It’s good to have a little extra time (preparing for Georgia).”

The Bulldogs got a lot of praise over the weekend, with Missouri coach Barry Odom saying Georgia is “better than they may get credit for nationally.”

UGA opened as a 3-point favorite over Auburn. The two teams will play at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS.