College football recruiting news: Iron Bowl huge for Auburn, 5-star LB picking soon

It was quite the busy weekend in college football, despite the lack of marquee games. Here is a look at some recruiting stories around the country going forward.

Iron Bowl will be huge for Auburn's recruiting

Auburn isn't expected to beat Alabama this weekend. But if it can keep the game competitive and the atmosphere live, it will certainly help its recruiting momentum, which is already rolling along thanks to a dream season in Year 1 of the Gus Malzahn era. And if Auburn does manage to win? Look out. The game is probably even more important for the class of 2015, as Auburn has very few remaining battles against Alabama for the class of 2014.

Two important seniors making the trip will be Rashaan Evans, a four-star linebacker from Auburn (Ala.) and Elisha Shaw, a four-star defensive tackle from Tucker (Ga.).

Raekwon sets decision date

Five-star linebacker Raekwon McMillan will make his college decision on December 16th. Ohio State is still seen as the favorite by most, but Clemson has been coming on strong.

Will Josh Malone choose Tennessee, Georgia or Clemson?

Malone is slated to decide on December 4 between the Bulldogs, Volunteers and Tigers. All three schools are relatively close to the four-star receiver's Tennessee home. Malone is coming off his Clemson visit, at which he very publicly hung out with Clemson star quarterback commitment, Deshaun Watson.

Can the Tigers make a late push? Does Malone believe in Butch Jones enough to pledge to the Volunteers? Or will the stability and history of NFL receiver talent at Georgia be enough for Mark Richt to land the early enrollee? We shall see in about a week.

LSU ran all over Texas A&M in front of Leonard Fournette

The game against Texas A&M could not have gone better for LSU in front of the No. 1 running back in Leonard Fournette. The Tigers' running backs ran 48 times for 322 yards, physically controlling the football game in front of a great crowd. It was the sort of visit the Tigers needed to counter the impressive showing Alabama put on LSU in front of Fournette a few weeks ago in Tuscaloosa. This will be quite the battle between the top two programs in the SEC West.

Bama gets its nose guard, and Arkansas could be in trouble

Alabama landed massive 330-pound nose guard Josh Frazier, of Springdale (Ark.). Frazier is a four-star and is a perfect fit for the Tide's defense. But he would also be a great for for Arkansas' defense, and is yet another star player from the Natural State that Bret Bielema's staff has failed to lock down.

Player development and scouting is extremely important. But Arkansas will not make any noise in the SEC West if its recruiting doesn't get a lot better, and soon.

SB Nation's Arkansas Fight said that it does not normally report on players who do not select Arkansas, but it did because of how important Frazier is. Or was.

Ole Miss adds Pack to the pack

Ole Miss flipped four-star receiver Markell Pack, of Purvis (Ms.), from Florida State Friday evening. Hugh Freeze continues to do an excellent job of locking down talent in the state. Florida State's receiver class, meanwhile, is a bit underwhelming.

Busy week for the Bruins

UCLA landed arguably the top 2015 tight end in the country in Alize Jones, of Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman. It also lost a commitment from 2014 4-star receiver Barry Ware, but added a commitment from 2015 linebacker Victor Alexander, of Florida.

Top JUCO offensive tackle down to two

This isn't news to hardcore recruiting fans, but Nassau (NY) JUCO offensive tackle Chad Mavety confirmed he is down to Ohio State and Florida State after his official visit to the Buckeyes.

NCC offensive lineman @chadmavety55 has choices narrowed down to Florida State and Ohio State. Is anyone else excited for him beside me?!
— Megan (@megamurph22) November 25, 2013

5-star Miami commitment Chad Thomas to visit Alabama, Florida State and Louisville

Here is what the five-star defensive end told Rivals.

"The Miami season started off great, but they had a couple letdowns recently," stated Thomas. "I know they are going to fight back to the way they were. I'm going to take visits, but I'm still with Miami right now. That's my school."

I still fully expect Thomas to sign with the Hurricanes, thanks to the ability to play early, and geography -- Thomas plays for Miami's Booker T. Washington High School.