Auburn interim head coach D.J. Durkin suggested rival college football coaches are trying to call his players to transfer.

The Commodores are coming off a thrilling 34-31 loss to Texas, but are 7-2 and still fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. They’re also led by star quarterback Diego Pavia, who’s looking to improve to 3-0 against Auburn in his career.

Offensively, Pavia started to give his team a spark on Vanderbilt’s final offensive possession of the first half. Pavia found wide receiver Tre Richardson for a 43-yard gain before throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Junior Sherrill to make it a one-score game.

Auburn is 4-5 heading into Saturday's matchup against Vanderbilt, fresh off a disappointing 10-3 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats last Saturday. The Tigers program is operating under interim head coach DJ Durkin following the dismissal of now-former head coach Hugh Freeze earlier this year.

Auburn hosts the UNC Greensboro Spartans after Mya Petticord scored 21 points in Auburn's 82-41 win over the Alabama State Lady Hornets.

Their spirits were here in Nashville’s West End for Vanderbilt 45, Auburn 38, a game that poured new life into a forgotten celebration of Southern college football. Auburn vs. Vanderbilt a rivalry? Believe it, and it’s time to resurrect that old nickname, too.