Charles Barkley has a soft spot for his home state of Alabama. But he spares his tough love for the Alabama Crimson Tide, the historic rivals of the Auburn Tigers. The Auburn alum’s loyalties remain with his school and he’s always rooting for them to win. However, he’s very nervous about the upcoming football game this weekend. A game he wouldn’t miss for anything.

Barkley expressed what has him nervous about the Tigers football team during his appearance on The Next Round show. Just what has the NBA analyst who took on thousands of rival fans so scared?

Charles Barkley fears for Auburn

The Auburn Tigers football team will face off against the Georgia Bulldogs on October 1. Auburn fans like Barkley have a lot of reason to be nervous. After all, the Dawgs are the reigning national champions. So when the hosts of The Next Round hosted Barkley, Chuck opened with his honesty.

All the hosts had to do is ask how he is and the 11-time NBA All-Star said, “Well, I’m not sure how I’m doing… ’cause they just put this new rule in football where your offense has to score.”

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Of course the studio burst into laughter. This so-called “new rule” is standard. Still, The Round Mound of Rebound says, “I’m not feeling really good about the two-time defending national champions.”

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Barkley’s nervousness is shared by everyone who is up against the Dawgs. They are ranked among the top teams consistently. Auburn and Alabama are also pretty close.

With some prodding by the hosts, Barkley shared some of his insight on how the Tigers offensive line could overcome the “new rule” and score. He’s been very vocal about Auburn’s quarterbacks’ drawbacks. While he’s wary about Auburn’s odds, he is going to be at the game cheering the team. However, there’s one school here that’s not getting Sir Charles’ support.

Charles Barkley’s feud with Alabama

Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide have a rivalry that goes way back. It’s compounded by Auburn-bred SEC Player of the Year, Charles Barkley.

In 2022, the Bulldogs defeated the 2021 champions, Crimson Tide 33-18 to win the title. Despite his rivalry with the school, Barkley was disheartened for his longtime friend, ‘Bama coach, Nick Saban. On the same show, he ripped into Crimson Tide fans for their harsh disrespect towards Saban.

The dislike is mutual. Alabama fans also target Barkley to go after Auburn often. It remains to be seen if the Tigers will do Barkley proud this weekend despite his apprehensions.

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