Bo Nix is at a critical juncture for any Auburn quarterback: Amen Corner.

As Nix and the Tigers approach the first of two massive rivalry games against No. 4 Georgia and No. 5 Alabama, the true freshman gunslinger knows the questions circling around he and his offense: Are their poor showings in big games this year a product of tough defenses, tough environments, or both?

One of those factors can be ruled out Saturday against the Bulldogs (2:30 p.m. CST, CBS).

"I feel like the atmosphere really helps as far as adrenaline and things like that," Nix said of playing a top team in Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time this year. "When you're at home, you just somehow play better. I think that it'll be really good for us this Saturday."

Nix has been electric at home this season against the lesser competition on Auburn's schedule, completing 68 percent of his passes for 1,043 yards and seven touchdowns from scrimmage to no turnovers in four games.

But those aren't the games in question against Tulane, Kent State, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Those would be Nix's six interceptions and plummeting passer rating against the defenses of Oregon, Florida and LSU.

As much as his head coach has tried to take the blame and protect his young QB of the future, Nix has admitted his faults at every turn. Like the rest of the Tigers in Gus Malzahn's program, Nix is encouraged not to let the outside noise in. But that doesn't mean he's oblivious to its presence.

"Sometimes, you're just going to see it. Somebody's gonna tell you about it. That's gonna happen," Nix said. "So you can't really hide from it completely. I've just tried to use it as a kind of a drive to play better. I know that it sounds crazy, and it sounds like everybody says it like that. But that's what I've really tried to use it as."

Nix said Georgia preparation has felt "surreal" because he's dreamed about being the man under center in the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry since he was a kid. Malzahn will look to ride Nix's hot hand from a career game against Ole Miss by keeping the quarterback in a rhythm and making sure Nix's confidence in his right arm swells early in the matchup.

But no matter how Nix gets it done, a strong individual performance — and, obviously, the Tigers' biggest win of the season — will be critical for the team's momentum heading not only into the Iron Bowl, but the bowl game and the following season, as well.

And maybe it will silence some of the doubters, too.

"... It comes with the territory of playing quarterback," Nix said. "I knew that was what I signed up for, so I'm OK with it.

"If you play better, you won't give them many things to talk about."