The 9 most memorable Iron Bowl moments
Kick Bama Kick
November 30, 2013 | 34-28, Auburn
When Nick Saban elected to send kicker Adam Griffith out for a potential tiebreaking 57-yard field goal, he had no idea that decision would end up costing his team an appearance in the SEC Championship Game. Realizing how far the field goal was, Auburn, who had tied the game on a Nick Marshall touchdown pass with less than a minute remaining in the game, opted to put punt return Chris Davis back in the end zone.
Sure enough, Griffith’s kick was short. Davis caught the kick and zoomed toward the left sideline. Alabama’s kicking unit — consisting of primarily offensive linemen —had no chance at catching Davis. He sprinted into the end zone with no time remaining and Auburn escaped with an unbelievable and unforgettable win over Alabama, 34-28.
Cam Newton’s Comeback
November 26, 2010 | 28-27, Auburn
With 8:01 remaining in the second quarter, Alabama held a 24-0 advantage. Over the course of the next two and a half quarters, Cam Newton would lead Auburn to 28 points while the Tigers’ defense limited Alabama to just a field goal.
The winning strike came with nearly 12 minutes remaining in the game, when Newton found Philip Lutzenkirchen for a seven-yard touchdown, and the game ended with an incomplete fourth down pass intended for Julio Jones.
Auburn would go on to win the National Championship against Oregon.
The Championship Drive
November 27, 2009 | 26-21, Alabama
When Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy looked up at the scoreboard with 8:27 left in the game, his team trailed by a point. In need of points to keep its national championship hopes alive, Alabama methodically marched down the field. On Alabama’s 15th play of the drive, McElroy hit Roy Upchurch for the game-winning four-yard touchdown. Then, needing a stop, Alabama’s defense shut down Auburn’s hopes at a late comeback.
Alabama won the National Championship a little over a month later against Texas.
The Kick
November 30, 1985 | 25-23, Alabama
Not only did the 1985 Iron Bowl end with a game-winning 52-yard field goal, but the fourth quarter also featured five lead changes. Ultimately, it was Alabama who ended up on top, as quarterback Mike Shula drove Alabama into Auburn territory. Then it was Van Kiffin who sealed the win, nailing the 52-yarder.
The Run in the Mud
December 2, 1967 | 7-3, Alabama
Only one touchdown was scored in the first ever Iron Bowl played at night. In the second half, Alabama’s quarterback, Ken Stabler, was able to overcome the sloppy field conditions due to horrendous weather to score on a 47-yard touchdown run. Alabama ended up winning by a 7-3 margin.
Punt Bama Punt
December 2, 1972 | 17-16, Auburn
When Alabama punted with a 16-3 lead in the fourth quarter, fans couldn’t have expected the bizarre series of events that would begin with that punt. First, Auburn blocked the punt, and David Langner ran it back for an Auburn touchdown. Then, with a 16-10 lead, Alabama was forced to punt again. It was also blocked and Langner, once again, returned the blocked punt for a touchdown. Auburn converted on the extra point attempt for the win.
Despite the painful ending to the game, Alabama ended up winning the SEC Championship.
The Fumble
November 22, 1997 | 18-17, Auburn
Everything went wrong for Alabama late in the ball game in 1997. With a 17-15 lead, fullback Ed Scissum fumbled and gave the ball to Auburn. After Auburn hit a field goal to gain a one-point advantage, Alabama kicker A.J. Diaz missed a 57-yard field goal.
The win secured Auburn’s first SEC West title.
Bo Over the Top
November 27, 1982 | 23-22, Auburn
Bear Bryant’s last Iron Bowl was spoiled when Auburn running back Bo Jackson leapt over the goal line on a fourth down, providing Auburn with the winning score with just around two minutes remaining in the game. Alabama tried to respond, but was picked off. However, Jackson quickly fumbled the ball back to Alabama. Eventually, the Auburn defense forced another stop, sealing the win.
315
November 28, 1981 | 28-17, Alabama
With Alabama’s 11-point win over Auburn, Bear Bryant became the all-time winningest FBS coach. Alabama also won a share of the SEC title that season.
Sean Wagner-McGough is a writer for Next Impulse Sports
