AUBURN, Ala. -- It was 20 years ago when an undefeated Alabama team rolled into Jordan-Hare Stadium only to be upset by Auburn in the first Iron Bowl to be played on the Tigers' campus. History nearly repeated itself on Friday, with just under two minutes to spare.
The second-ranked Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0 SEC) completed a second straight perfect regular season with a come-from-behind 26-21 victory over the Tigers before a frenzied crowd of 87,451. Alabama held up its end of the bargain -- barely -- to set up a 1 vs. 2 showdown with top-ranked Florida in the SEC championship game in Atlanta in eight days.
Alabama 26, Auburn 21: Box Score | Tide's O-Line a Success
While the Gators must beat Florida State in The Swamp Saturday to complete that dream matchup, Alabama headed home with the realization it can handle adversity and put together a game-winning drive behind a quarterback who has been oft-criticized as a weak link in an offense with a powerful running game.
"We didn't play a great game today. It's a great win for our team and I have never been prouder of a team in terms of the way they won."
Tide quarterback Greg McElroy masterfully directed a 15-play, 79-yard drive that consumed just over seven minutes and tore the hearts from the Tigers. He completed his final seven passes for 62 yards, and his four-yard touchdown pass to senior running back Roy Upchurch was Upchurch's first career scoring reception in 37 games.
Upchurch also said it was the first time the Tide had ran the play from a two-back formation the entire season. A running play had been initially called but was changed by Saban following a timeout. Auburn relied heavily on eight-man fronts to slow the Tide's rushing attack.
"They originally had a different play called in but I was yelling on the sideline for them to put my package in," said Upchurch, who slid off the line into the right flat for the easy catch.
"I was just ready to get in the end zone, so when they threw the ball that's what I did. I just had a feeling that it would work and that I would be wide open in the end zone."
While Saban doesn't buy the statewide sentiment that this rivalry is a make-or-break game, it might be difficult to get relieved Tide fans to agree with so much at stake.
This would have been a devastating defeat for a team that has not lost an SEC regular-season game since 2007.
Alabama has been clearly the better team this season and, for what it's worth, the Tide was the favorite pick of 25 out of 25 Alabama state sports editors and college football writers, according to the Tuscaloosa News.
The average score from their annual Iron Bowl predictions: Alabama 30.2, Auburn 13.2.
Kudos to the Tigers (7-5, 3-5) for their emotion, effort and execution. It was a marked turnaround for a team that was shellacked 36-0 last season to have a six-year Iron Bowl winning streak snapped.
"We wanted to come out and get aggressive early in the game," Auburn quarterback Chris Todd said.
"We wanted to come out strong and execute the game plan. Everybody felt fine coming into the game and everyone felt good. We wanted to come out here and get ourselves into a battle because that is what the Iron Bowl is."
Auburn, which had an extra week to prepare, led 14-0 barely 10 minutes into the game.
The Tigers supplied most of the big plays and its maligned defense largely outplayed the nation's top unit. Auburn pushed the ball to the Alabama 37 on the final drive, but Todd's pass to the end zone was batted down by the Tide defense.
While Alabama needed a bit of luck to escape with a 12-10 win over Tennessee earlier this season, it needed to muster some magic against the Tigers. Give the Tide credit. It didn't panic.
"It was a hell of a game," senior offensive lineman Mike Johnson said.
"It was really tight. Auburn was well prepared. It was a real big gut check for us right there at the end. We just kept thinking, 'keep playing away.' There was nowhere else to go. It was just time to come together, do things on offense and put points on the board."
Auburn rarely played it close to the vest with its fast-paced offense and outgained Alabama 332-291. More surprisingly, the Tigers also dominated on the ground 151-73.
Keep in mind that the Tide's defense had allowed a combined six touchdowns in seven SEC games, with opponents averaging just 85.7 yards on the ground.
Tide running back Mark Ingram, who entered as the Heisman Trophy front runner and the SEC's leading rusher, was held to 30 yards on 16 carries. He was on the bench for most of the game-winning drive with a bruised hip.
Auburn's Ben Tate, who earlier in the week proclaimed himself as the best running back in the state, had 45 yards on 18 carries.
"I know this team has a lot of heart and character," said Ingram, who also added he wasn't concerned about the Heisman. "We've worked so hard to get to this point. Even all the stress we were under, we did what we had to do and fought to get this win."
Saban, ever the philosopher, was glad to see his team respond and play with confidence in the final two minutes.
"I know it's something that our team hasn't been challenged with," Saban said.
"You play the next play. Great competitors can play in that moment and great teams can play in that moment. I am not saying we have a great team; I am just saying that our team is able to do that (Friday). That was important and us finishing that game was important to get the win."
The sold-out crowd, bundled up in the sunny but cool weather, remained in the stands for several minutes when it was over.
Auburn fans applauded in appreciation -- the Tigers weathered the Tide's surge and actually led 21-20 heading into the fourth quarter -- while the sizable Alabama crowd celebrated.
"Everybody in that locker room that played did what we asked them to do," Auburn coach Gene Chizik said.
"They fought for 60 minutes in that game. I'm not disappointed with anybody on our team. Nobody. We are going to know right now that the future is bright."
Comments (Page 1 of 2)
it was a great game. and oh... yeah..
Roll Tide Roll
Tide is Gator Meat next week. Chomp Chomp. Can't wait to watch Saban cry.
I'm sure there will be plenty of smack talk against Bama on this blog, but if you saw the game, then you know the truth...it was a GREAT and hard-fought game. Auburn played their hearts out, and were incredible today. Their run defense was second to none, and they made Ingram look really bad. That's not a knock against Ingram, but praise for Auburn. I can say that I HATE the Tigers from the bottom of my heart...and I can also say that they earned the respect of the nation today...or at least the state of Alabama. The Tide is one step closer in their journey to the top...today was a serious obstacle overcome. I hope the character gained from this extremely difficult win will help the Crimson Tide in their hopeful victory over Florida next week...and on to another national title. Good job today Tigers. ROLL TIDE!!! (sorry if those posts twice...it won't seem to post)
stiff arm
What an awesome game! Auburn showed that they have as much talent as anyone when they are firing on all cylinders. But Auburn lost the game on turnovers and penalties, as well as some goofy calls by Chizik; especially their last possession. Bama showed they can avoid letting emotion get them off their game as well. A classic that will be remembered for a long time!
This game was truly rewarding because not only did Bama get the "W", we toyed with the poor Auburn fans emotions. But in their small cold hearts, Auburn knew, that they could not defeat the tide. And the Bear is happy!
for those born after 1982, the "bear" is a dead alabama coach.
I wish to high heaven that Alabama or Florida would play the Pac 10s high scoring offenses like Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, USC, California or even Arizona and see what happens. The fact that Auburn's porous defense basically stopped Bama for much of the game indicates any of these teams would probaly beat the vastly overrated Crimson Tide. But alas, that will not happen. Bama will play Florida and the winner goes to the bogus so-called title game. What a shame. Even TCU, Cincinnati or Boise State would probably beat Bama or Florida. Look what UTAH did to overrated Bama last year and they played and beat Bama IN THE SOUTH! What a shame. And what a sham to have another SEC team in the title game for simply winning the overrated SEC. Now they will play Texas and the winner will claim a championship. Texas. Can you say almost 40 points scored against them by pathetic Texas A&M!!!! WHAT A SHAME!
zemog44 - The pac 10 is a joke. Just because they can score 40+ points on each other every game doesn't mean they are quality teams. If a team is going to win a MNC they have to play defense....something which the pac 10 knows absolutely nothing about this season. Look at what Boise St. did to an overrated Oregon team THIS SEASON!...and last season. Now that USC looks to be on a decline the pac 10 can kiss any chance it had of winning a MNC goodbye. Keep talking about how dominant the pac 10 is though while us SEC fans keep laughing and watching our teams winning MNCs year after year.
Did you even watch the game? "Porous defense"...are you crazy? Auburn gave up about ONE YARD (or less) per running play against a Heisman front-runner. Every time a running back touched the ball, there were 5 jerseys on him before he got past the line of scrimmage. Drives took 7 MINUTES to put together ANY points (minus 2 big plays). How often do you see 7 minute drives in the PAC 10...almost NEVER. 5 teams in the SEC are in the top 25 defenses in the nation. How can a league that consistently has 50 to 43 games be considered the "real" defensive power house? Come on Zemog...I know you hate the SEC, but don't just say crazy stuff. A league where you have to EARN your points is not the parody of football...games that total up to 100+ combined points are. I wish there were more SEC/PAC 10 games...they would be the best games in the country in my opinion (no matter who won). But stop taking a SINGLE point of reference (Bama vs Utah) and use that as "proof" that the SEC is a joke. Alabama came in disgusted that they lost to Florida (as well as with a suspension of their best player), and then were playing some "no name" team. That "no name" team pulled off the upset of their lives. That's why you can never underestimate ANY opponent. But don't think that one good game by a VERY good team is all the proof that you need to show that the entire SEC is a joke. No one in the PAC 10 beat Utah either...so how do you know that they wouldn't just destroy in the PAC 10 as well? The fact of the matter, is that you don't. You just assume that you'd win, the same way that Bama did. Anyone would have overestimated that Utah team...and I think that they would have beaten anyone that would have done so. Good for Utah (though I hate to say). PAC 10 is great and so is the SEC. Can't both conferences play good football?
Did you even watch the game Zemog? "Porous defense"...are you crazy? Auburn gave up about ONE YARD (or less) per running play against a Heisman front-runner. Every time a running back touched the ball, there were 5 jerseys on him before he got past the line of scrimmage. Drives took 7 MINUTES to put together ANY points (minus 2 big plays). How often do you see 7 minute drives in the PAC 10...almost NEVER. 5 teams in the SEC are in the top 25 defenses in the nation. How can a league that consistently has 50 to 43 games be considered the "real" defensive power house?
(cont.) Come on Zemog...I know you hate the SEC, but don't just say crazy stuff. A league where you have to EARN your points is not the parody of football...games that total up to 100+ combined points are. I wish there were more SEC/PAC 10 games...they would be the best games in the country in my opinion (no matter who won). But stop taking a SINGLE point of reference (Bama vs Utah) and use that as "proof" that the SEC is a joke. Alabama came in disgusted that they lost to Florida (as well as with a suspension of their best player), and then were playing some "no name" team. That "no name" team pulled off the upset of their lives. That's why you can never underestimate ANY opponent. But don't think that one good game by a VERY good team is all the proof that you need to show that the entire SEC is a joke. No one in the PAC 10 beat Utah either...so how do you know that they wouldn't just destroy in the PAC 10 as well? The fact of the matter, is that you don't. You just assume that you'd win, the same way that Bama did. Anyone would have overestimated that Utah team...and I think that they would have beaten anyone that would have done so. Good for Utah (though I hate to say). PAC 10 is great and so is the SEC. Can't both conferences play good football?
Sorry everyone...it just won't post. I wait and wait...and refresh and refresh...then BOOM...4 posts of the same thing. I apologize; hopefully they can delete the duplicate posts. I don't know why it does that some times.
You 'Bama fans talked that crap last year until Tebow&Company stomped them by 30+ points. The Tide will roll all right,roll right over,different year,same results. The Crimson Hide gets overrated every year,Florida will show their weaknesses very soon.
Alabama still leads the series 20-14. I'm not saying that Florida hasn't been a stronger team over the past few years, but The Tide has still embarassed Florida quite a few more times than the contrary. Florida MAY have the stronger team again this year (possibly), but I feel that after Tebow is gone, your team will slip dramatically...all while Bama continues to have the top recruiting class (or near the top) each season...times are changing my friend. Enjoy your victories while you can still get them. ROLL TIDE!
THIS GAME, WAS MY FIRST TRIP TO JORDAN HARE STADIUM, AND IT WILL BE MY LAST. AUBURN FANS ARE THE RUDEST THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN. DURING THE WHOLE GAME, THEY PUT DOWN BAMA'S COACH'S, PLAYERS, BANDS AND CHEERLEADERS, THEN THEY CUSSED AT US, AND THREW STUFF ON US WHEN THEY LOST. IT IS STILL JUST A FOOTBALL GAME, AND I TOTALLY AGREE WITH CHEERING AND SUPPORTING YOUR TEAM, BUT THEY TOOK IT WAAAAAY TO FAR. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A PLACE BEFORE, WHERE I WAS ACTUALLY WORRIED THAT I WAS GOING TO GET SHOT OR JUMPED ON FOR HAVING ON AN ALABAMA SHIRT. AUBURN IS IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA YOU KNOW. YOU WOULD THINK THAT AS FELLOW ALABAMIANS THAT THEY WOULD SHOW A LITTLE RESPECT AND BE GLAD THAT WE HAVE A CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR THE STATE, LIKE WINNING A NATIONAL TITLE. IT WAS A GOOD GAME, BY BOTH TEAMS, BUT THEIR FANS RUINED THEIR PREFORMANCE IN MY BOOK. AUBURN REALLY NEEDS TO GET AHOLD OF THEIR SEASON TICKET HOLDERS, BECAUSE THEY ARE THE RUDEST, SORE LOSERS I HAVE EVER SEEN. THEY WERE EVEN MEAN WHILE THEY WERE WINNING. AND WHEN THEY LOST, THEY STARTED TEARING UP THEIR OWN STADIUM. CRAZY!!! AND ALL THIS TRASH TALK CAME FROM A TEAM THAT WAS OFF FOR A WEEK AND A HALF, AND HAD TIME TO PREPARE!! I MEAN COME ON!!!
First trip to Jordan-Hare huh? It wasn't as much fun as I expected either...I was happy to make it out alive too. Made me realize why the state really is split the way that it is. The two teams genuinely HATE one another. I think a lot of fans out there don't appreciate how heated a rivalry this really is. This state LIVES for this game...your story sadly didn't surprise me. You'd think they'd be used to losing by now! :) ROLL TIDE!
You never look at stats when you go into a Alabama & Auburn game. I think this was the best thing to happend to Bama, we got a big head last year. Bama went into the game thinking they already had the game won but it shows what the Tide can do under pressure. One thing Bama proved was we are not a one man team. I'll bet the Gator's wont shut Mark Ingram down. This will be a great game. ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!
Roll Tide
have u ever been to bryant-denny same crap just the other side of the state bama fans are dam rude asses cry if u win and damn sure cry when u looooose. sorry ingram to ruin your race u tried
have fun playing boise st. n the sugar bowl hahahahahahahahaha go tebow
war eagle