The Alabama Crimson Tide traveled to Jordan-Hare Stadium and narrowly escaped with a win over the Auburn Tigers. Before this matchup, the previous three Iron Bowls played at Jordan-Hare had all been decided by one score, and this one delivered the same result with a 27–20 finish. The Iron Bowl is known for producing legendary plays and unforgettable moments—like the Kick Six, the four-overtime thriller, and “4th & 31”—and it’s moments like these that make it the biggest college football rivalry in the South.
Photo Cred: Montgomery Advertiser
The game opened with both teams punting after short drives. The Tide struck first when Connor Talty knocked through a 45-yard field goal. Both defenses continued to shine, forcing three-and-outs. Alabama extended its lead after a seven-play drive ended with Ty Simpson finding Isaiah Horton in the end zone, giving the Tide a 10–0 advantage at the end of the first quarter. On Auburn’s next drive, Alabama’s defense forced a turnover on downs after Ashton Daniels’ pass to Eric Singleton Jr. was broken up by Dijion Lee Jr.
The Tide carried that momentum into another touchdown pass to Horton. After an exchange of punts, Auburn finally broke through with a 26-yard field goal by Alex McPherson. Alabama punted again, and Auburn added another field goal as time expired in the first half, cutting the deficit to 17–6. The Tigers opened the second half with a quick strike, as Daniels connected with Malcolm Simmons, who sprinted down the sideline for a 64-yard touchdown.
Alabama responded with a 13-play drive capped by a 29-yard Talty field goal. Both defenses then forced three-and-outs. On Auburn’s next possession, they put together a promising drive, but it ended abruptly when Daniels’ pass was tipped into the air and intercepted by Bray Hubbard. Alabama’s offense stalled again and punted.
Auburn then pushed the ball down the field after Daniels found Simmons on a curl route; Simmons juked a defender and raced 66 yards before being stopped at the two-yard line. Jeremiah Cobb punched it in, tying the game at 20–20. Alabama answered with a 15-play drive that ended with the Tide going for it on 4th-and-2, where Simpson again found Horton for his third touchdown of the day, reclaiming the lead.
Auburn began moving downfield looking to tie the game, but disaster struck again when Daniels hit Cam Coleman, who was then stripped by Hubbard. Deontae Lawson recovered the fumble, ending the Tigers’ hopes of forcing overtime. Hubbard’s clutch performance earned him SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors, thanks to his game-changing interception and forced fumble that directly contributed to Alabama’s victory.
Photo Cred: Bama Hammer
After the game, Coach DeBoer highlighted what separates his team from others, saying, “I think there are some teams that hope they can find a way. I think our guys really understand that when they get in these spots they are gonna make it happen. Nothing is gonna be given to you—you have to earn it.”
With the win, the Tide punched their ticket to the SEC Championship Game, where they will face the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This will mark Alabama’s first conference title appearance since Coach DeBoer took over the program. A win guarantees the Tide a playoff ticket.
