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.
-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.
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.
[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.
The First Iron Bowl Game February 22, 1893
February 22, 1893, is regarded as the first Iron Bowl, as Alabama played Auburn in Birmingham.We present this YouTube short on the game to preserve his legac... — www.youtube.com
Alabama and Auburn played each other in what is, in essence, the 1st Iron Bowl. Only 450 people were at Birmingham's Lakeview Baseball Park on Feb. 22, 1893, to witness a 32-22 Auburn victory, per an NCAA.com story. Little did the handful of football fans on that winter day realize what would develop from the first game of these two eventual SEC powerhouses. The Iron Bowl is one of the most looked forward to matchups every season by college football fans.
The term Iron Bowl came from the venue where the game had been played for many years, Birmingham, Alabama's Legion Field. The City of Birmingham is known for its historic role in the steel industry, and these two top-flight college programs from the state of Alabama treated the crowds at Legion Field to some great memories. The game was predominantly played there from the late 1940s until 1989.
2023 saw the 88th time these teams had met, and with the narrow 27-24 Bama win where they overcame a 4-point deficit in the 4th and a 4th and goal on the 31-yard line, the Tide leads the series All-time series leads 50–37–1
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