Auburn's Pearl: Media 'minimized' sweep of Alabama

It's not just the political world complaining about the mainstream media, as Auburn coach Bruce Pearl voiced his anger towards national outlets Monday for minimizing the rivalry with Alabama this season.

Pearl's Tigers swept the season series against their in-state rival with a road win Saturday, one that he felt should have gotten more attention.

"To start four freshman on the road in Tuscaloosa to get a sweep against a team that was in fourth place, it shouldn't be minimized," Pearl said Monday as per Brandon Marcello of 247 Sports. "It's funny. I don't read the mainstream media much just because I don't have time. I've been surprised to see some of it minimized in some ways. To minimize it is actually a knock against us and Alabama."

Alabama is known as a football state when it comes to college sports, something Pearl is quick to refute with the fact both games between the teams were sold out this season.

"We want to complain about basketball in Alabama, we have a sold-out environment and then some in the media would portray it as no big deal," Pearl continued. "It's a big deal. It wouldn't be a big deal if there was nobody in the building and it didn't matter."

One can easily understand why the rivalry isn't getting much attention this season from mainstream outlets as the teams are a combined 28-17. Neither is expected to qualify for the NCAA tournament, which isn't anything new seeing as they have one combined appearance since 2006.

Pearl actually worked for ESPN for multiple years after losing his job as Tennessee head coach due to multiple NCAA violations. He left the network for the Auburn position in 2014.