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Auburn Tigers

The Auburn Tigers football program is among the most successful in college football history. The team has won two national championships (1957 and 2010), 16 conference championships, and made 44 bowl appearances. The Tigers have also produced three Heisman Trophy winners: Pat Sullivan (1971), Bo Jackson (1985), and Cam Newton (2010).
The Tigers were founded in 1892 and have played their home games at Jordan-Hare Stadium since 1939. The stadium is named after Ralph "Shug" Jordan, the head coach of the Tigers from 1951 to 1975. Jordan is the winningest coach in Auburn history with 176 wins.
The Tigers have a long and storied rivalry with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The two teams first played each other in 1893 and have met every year since 1900. The rivalry is known as the Iron Bowl and is one of the most intense in college football.
The Auburn Tigers football program is a proud tradition that has produced some great players and coaches. The Tigers are always looking to build on their success and become a top program in the Southeastern Conference.
Here are some other notable moments in Auburn football history:

  • The Tigers won their first national championship in 1957.
  • The Tigers won their second national championship in 2010.
  • The Tigers won their first SEC championship in 1934.
  • The Tigers won their most recent SEC championship in 2020.

The Auburn Tigers football program is a proud tradition that has produced some great players and coaches. The Tigers are always looking to build on their success and become a top program in the Southeastern Conference. Here are a few notable former Tigers:

The Auburn Tigers have a unique tradition of barking after scoring a touchdown. The tradition dates back to the 1950s, when a group of Auburn students started barking after a touchdown. The barking tradition quickly caught on and is now a staple of Auburn football games. The Auburn Tigers mascot, Aubie the Tiger, also barks after touchdowns.

Check out our collection of the internet's top posts on the history of the Auburn Tigers football team. From the Iron Bowl, to National Championships and Heisman Trophy winners the Tigers have one of the richest traditions in college football. So give out your best cheer of War Eagle and enjoy the memories of Auburn football history.


 
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of The first-string players for the 1925 Auburn Tigers football team. The players are, from left to right: (standing): Green, halfback; Selter, fullback; Bogue, quarterback; Turner, fullback; Williams, halfback; (line): Ollinger, Self, McFaden, McNeil, Long, Harkins (team captain), Spinks.

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Auburn Tigers Gridiron Traditions and History

The Auburn Tigers football program boasts a treasure trove of records, each echoing with the program's rich history, electrifying moments, and unwavering fighting spirit. Let's delve into some of their most awe-inspiring feats:

Dominating Numbers:

-12 undefeated seasons: Only eight programs have achieved this feat more, reflecting their ability to peak at the highest level.

-16 conference championships: Tied for 12th most, demonstrating their prowess within their respective conferences.

-5 national championships: A prestigious distinction, with their crowning moments coming in 1957, 1969, 1983, 1993, and 2010.
Individual Brilliance:

-3 Heisman Trophy winners: Pat Sullivan (1971), Bo Jackson (1985), and Cam Newton (2010), highlighting the game-changing caliber of Auburn's quarterbacks.

-31 consensus All-Americans: A testament to the talent that has donned the orange and blue helmet.

-Multiple offensive and defensive records: From Cam Newton's single-season passing touchdowns to Reggie White's sacking prowess, countless individual achievements illuminate the program's history.

Football Records That Last Generations

Auburn Tigers football boasts a rich history filled with individual brilliance. Here are some of the most iconic records that showcase their talent and grit:

On Offense:

-Passing: Cam Newton holds the single-season passing touchdown record (30 in 2010) and total offensive yards record (4,977 in 2010).

-King of the Tigers: Bo Jackson reigns supreme, owning the Auburn record for career rushing yards (4,303) and single-season rushing yards (1,786 in 1985). His electrifying blend of power and speed redefined the running back position, leaving a legacy that inspires generations.

-Carnell's Consistency: Carnell Williams sits comfortably in second place with 3,831 career rushing yards. He holds the record for most 100-yard rushing games in a season (9 in 2004) and most consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (7 in 2003). His consistent excellence cemented his place in Auburn's rushing royalty.

-Receiving: A.J. Johnson possesses the most receiving yards in a season (1,544 in 1995) and the most career receiving yards (2,433).

On Defense:

-Tackles: Freddie Smith's 193 tackles in 1977 remain the single-season record.

Sacks: Derrick Thomas holds the career sacks record (45.5) and the single-season record (18 in 1989).

Interceptions: Tommy Toliver's 14 interceptions in 1986 are the most in a single season.


Special Teams:

-Field Goals: Daniel Carlson made 100 field goals in his career, the most for any Auburn kicker.

-Punting: Auburn has produced several prolific punters, with Terry Daniel holding the single-season (4,744 yards in 1988) and career (12,472 yards) records.

Top Rushers in Auburn Football history

Auburn boasts a rich history of bruising backs who have terrorized defenses and fueled Tigers victories. Choosing the "best" is subjective, but here are some of the most impactful Auburn rushers:

Legends of the Backfield:

-Carnell "Cadillac" Williams: The all-time leading rusher with 3,831 yards, Williams embodied power and grace. His Heisman-caliber junior season and key role in the undefeated 2004 team solidify his legendary status.

-Bo Jackson: A dual-threat marvel, Jackson's athleticism was unmatched. He rushed for 4,303 yards despite limited seasons, showcasing raw power and electrifying speed.

-James Brooks: "The Little Giant" racked up 3,523 yards with relentless determination. His 1971 record for rushing touchdowns (19) stood for decades, showcasing his scoring prowess.

Auburn Tigers and Their Football Helmet History

The Auburn Tigers football helmet, adorned in its vibrant orange hue, is more than just headgear; it's a canvas that chronicles the program's evolution, traditions, and moments of gridiron glory. Here's a journey through their fascinating helmet history:

-Early Days (1930s-1950s):

-Simple leather lids with minimal markings - just the letter "A" or "Auburn" painted in block letters.

-Transition to plastic shells in the 1940s introduced orange, navy, and white variations, but designs remained basic.


-Birth of the Northwestern Stripes (1956-1965):

-In 1956, the iconic navy-orange-navy Northwestern Stripes debuted, coinciding with a new white jersey design.

-This bold change symbolized a new era of style and signaled Auburn's arrival as a national contender.

-The helmets, paired with Pat Dye's "Wishbone Offense," became synonymous with Auburn's dominant 1970s teams.


-Modern Tweaks and Refinements (1970s-Present):

-The Northwestern Stripes remained the primary design, undergoing subtle changes like stripe width adjustments and font variations.

-Alternate helmets emerged for special occasions, honoring legends like Pat Sullivan or showcasing unique patterns.

-The current helmet features a slightly bolder stripe combination and a sharper "AU" logo, retaining the classic identity while embracing a modern touch.

From the iconic "War Eagle" chant that echoes through Jordan-Hare Stadium to the electric atmosphere of the pre-game Tiger Walk, Auburn football is more than just a game. It's a family. It's a tradition passed down through generations, uniting fans in a sea of orange and blue. Here, victory isn't everything, it's the spirit, the claws held high, the unwavering belief that makes Auburn special. So join the roar, feel the electricity, and become part of something bigger than yourself. War Eagle!

There is so much more to explore, so check out our other stories of Auburn football history.

Moments etched in Crimson and Orange

The Iron Bowl, clashing Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide, is a crucible where legends are forged and moments etched in gridiron lore. Choosing the "best" is subjective, but here are some that electrify Auburn hearts:

-Bo Over the Top (1982): Trailing by two with mere seconds left, freshman Bo Jackson leaped over a pile of Crimson Tide defenders for the winning touchdown, securing Auburn's first Iron Bowl victory in nine years and cementing his place in Auburn legend.

-The Kick Six (2013): Down by one point with five seconds remaining, Alabama's Christion Jones mishit a field goal. Chris Davis of Auburn scooped it up and sprinted 109 yards for the game-winning touchdown, a moment of pure magic that still sends chills down Auburn spines.

-Cam Newton's Heisman Moment (2010): With time running out and Auburn down by three, Cam Newton, then a Heisman hopeful, powered through multiple defenders for a game-winning touchdown run, showcasing the raw talent that would propel him to college football glory.

-Pat Dye's Final Iron Bowl Victory (1992): In his final Iron Bowl as head coach, Pat Dye, a controversial yet beloved figure, led Auburn to a come-from-behind victory, ensuring he left Jordan-Hare on a victorious note.

Bonus Moment:[b] While not a "win," the 2023 Iron Bowl, though a heartbreaking defeat for Auburn, saw Jalen Milroe complete a Hail Mary touchdown pass on the final play to tie the game, only to have it ultimately called back on replay. This thrilling, last-second drama serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and sheer intensity that make the Iron Bowl so special.

Auburn Tigers Origin of the Mascot

Auburn University's iconic tiger mascot, Aubie, boasts a surprisingly literary origin story. Unlike a ferocious jungle predator, Auburn's tiger pride stems from the gentle verses of an 18th-century poem.

In 1770, Oliver Goldsmith published "The Deserted Village," a poem containing the line, "where crouching tigers wait their hapless prey..." A local Alabama newspaper, captivated by the imagery, began referring to Auburn athletes as the "Plainsmen," referencing another line in the poem about "Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain." However, the "tiger" reference also resonated, eventually eclipsing "Plainsmen" as the dominant nickname.

This literary association wasn't the end of the story. For decades, Auburn lacked an official mascot. It wasn't until 1959 that a cartoon tiger, appearing on a football program cover, ignited a spark. This playful depiction, the brainchild of artist Phil Neel, quickly captured the hearts of Auburn fans. The cartoon tiger paved the way for Aubie, the costumed mascot we know today, who debuted in 1981.

Interestingly, the "War Eagle" battle cry, a fierce rallying cry for Auburn fans, predates the tiger mascot. Its origins are debated, surfacing sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. While Auburn never adopted an eagle mascot, "War Eagle" seamlessly integrated with the tiger, creating a unique and potent combination of power and spirit.

Today, Aubie the Tiger reigns supreme. From energetic appearances at games to his role as a beloved symbol of Auburn pride, the tiger embodies the spirit of Auburn athletics. Though its origins lie in a quiet poem, Auburn's tiger mascot has become a roaring symbol of school spirit, a testament to the unexpected places where college mascots can be born.

The 1913 College Football Season

Football Daily | Football History Rewind 32: The revisions and events of the 1913 season in American Football — pigskindispatch.com
The 1913 college football season was a wild ride with no clear-cut champion. Unlike today's national championship system, there was no official title awarded. However, three teams – Chicago, Harvard, and Auburn – all finished undefeated and laid claim to the national crown.

This season marked a turning point for Western football. Teams like Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Michigan State dominated their schedules, even defeating several top Eastern squads. This performance challenged the established dominance of Eastern powerhouses like Harvard and Yale, showcasing the growing strength of football programs across the country. While the lack of a single champion may leave some unsatisfied, the 1913 season remains a fascinating chapter in college football history, a testament to the sport's growing national appeal and the emergence of new powerhouses.

A Tale of Two Dynasties and Tigers on the Prowl

The Auburn Tigers football program roars with a history as vibrant as its burnt orange and navy blue stripes. Here's a glimpse into their journey:


[b]Early Days (1892-1950):

-Founded in 1892, the Tigers navigated a path of early success with 12 undefeated seasons but lacked national dominance.

-Coaches John Heisman and Mike Donahue established a tradition of offensive prowess, laying the foundation for future glory.

-The "Iron Bowl" rivalry with Alabama began in 1893, adding a fiery chapter to Southern college football lore.


The Shug Jordan Era (1951-1975):

-Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan arrived in 1951, ushering in the program's golden age.

-With 176 wins, six SEC championships, and the 1957 national championship, the Tigers solidified their place among the nation's elite.

-Iconic victories like the "Punt, Bama, Punt" cemented Jordan's legend and ignited a lasting spirit of Auburn pride.


Post-Jordan Years and New Dynasties (1976-Present):

-Despite occasional dips, the Tigers continued to boast formidable seasons.

-Pat Dye led the team to a national championship in 1983, showcasing a powerful running game and tenacious defense.

-Tommy Tuberville (1999-2008) and Gene Chizik (2009-2012) ushered in further SEC championships and memorable victories.

-Cam Newton while playing for the Auburn Tigers won the Heisman Trophy and the Tigers won 2011 BCS National Championship.

Auburn Tigers Football Coaching History

Auburn's football coaching history boasts a vibrant tapestry of legendary names, each leaving their mark on the program's legacy. Here's a glimpse into some of the top Tigers' head coaches:

-Founding Figures and National Champions:

-John Heisman (1892-1895): The man who gave his name to the prestigious trophy, Heisman laid the foundation for Auburn's football tradition.

-Ralph Jordan (1896-1927): Known as the "Father of Auburn Football," Jordan led the Tigers to their first national championship in 1913 and remains the program's longest-tenured coach.

-Pat Dye (1981-1992): The "Bear" brought a swaggering confidence and run-heavy offense, propelling Auburn to three SEC championships and a national championship appearance in 1983.

-Tommy Tuberville (1995-2008): Known for his fiery personality and potent rushing attack, Tuberville revived the program, winning an SEC championship in 2004 and reaching the national title game in 2003.

From the iconic "War Eagle" chant that echoes through Jordan-Hare Stadium to the electric atmosphere of the pre-game Tiger Walk, Auburn football is more than just a game. It's a family. It's a tradition passed down through generations, uniting fans in a sea of orange and blue. Here, victory isn't everything, it's the spirit, the claws held high, the unwavering belief that makes Auburn special. So join the roar, feel the electricity, and become part of something bigger than yourself. War Eagle!

There is so much more to explore, so check out our other stories of Auburn football history.

First SEC Football Game February 20, 1892

February 20, 1892, is regarded as the first game of football in the Deep South. Georgia played Auburn in Atlanta, Georgia.We present this YouTube Short on th... — www.youtube.com
February 20 is the anniversary of an important moment in football history.

According to the University of Georgia web post, it was on that day in 1892 in Atlanta, Georgia, that the University of Georgia Bulldogs played its second game ever in a 10-0 loss against the Auburn Tigers. The game would be the first in what is now known as 'The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry,' with 128 games between the schools entering the 2024 season. It was the first game of what has become the South's oldest college football rivalry, and many of the sport's historians consider February 20, 1892, to be the birth date of college football in the South and an early nod to SEC football.
Though the two teams did not square off in 1893, it has been a regular matchup since 1894.
Georgia leads the series is 64-56-8.
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