The Auburn Tigers have endured four consecutive losing seasons — their longest such skid in nearly eight decades.

College football season is almost here — fall camps are wrapping up across the state as Alabama, Auburn, and South Alabama all prepare for their season openers next weekend.

The 60-minute litmus test awaiting the Tigers and coach Hugh Freeze could well be the closest you get it counting a little bit more.

There’s an added layer of irony here involving Auburn’s greatest rival, Alabama. For years, the Tigers mocked the Crimson Tide, who have claimed 18 national titles. Though a few of those come with eye rolls. “The best part about this entire situation ...

The past 4 years – 2 under Freeze and 2 under Bryan Harsin – saw Auburn roll up 58.5 points per game in 4 home victories against powerhouses in Alabama A&M, Massachusetts, Mercer and Akron," Wasson wrote. "Awesome, that’s 4-0 in Week 1 the past 4 years.

Auburn was one of five teams to finish that regular season unbeaten but was ranked third, meaning the Tigers missed out on the No. 1 vs. No. 2 BCS national-championship game. Southern Cal won that game but later vacated the title as part of its NCAA sanctions.

Auburn Athletics will retire 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton’s No. 2 jersey, making him the fourth player in program history to have his number retired. The retirement ceremony