A series of games that has seen it all. Jalen Milroe's pass to Isaiah Bond in the dying seconds to deny Auburn a famous victory last year was the latest jaw-dropping moment in a series of great Iron Bowl games between these two huge Alabama-based programs.
The History
Played annually, The Iron Bowl, one of college football's most intense rivalries, divides the state of Alabama, where allegiance to the Crimson Tide or the Tigers runs deeper than long standing family bloodlines. The rivalry began in 1893 in Birmingham, Alabama, nicknamed the “Iron City” for its thriving steel industry, giving the game its iconic name.
The Iron Bowl isn’t just about football in Alabama. It’s a clash of ideologies, regions, and traditions. The University of Alabama, with its historic dominance and 18 national championships, represents power and prestige. The University of Auburn, often cast as the scrappy underdog, has frequently defied the odds and delivered some unforgettable moments in these critical games. Together, they’ve turned the Iron Bowl into a high-stakes battle that has often decided SEC titles and national championship berths.
The first game in the rivalry was played on February 22, 1893, with Auburn defeating Alabama 32–22 at Lakeview Park in Birmingham. Over 5,000 fans attended, with Auburn marking it as the first game of its 1893 season, while Alabama considered it the final game of 1892.
After 1907, the football rivalry paused, but hostilities continued. Auburn’s President Duncan used New Deal programs to secure federal agencies for Auburn during the 1930s and 1940s, angering Alabama’s supporters. By the time the games resumed in 1948, the rivalry had only grown more intense. The game was played at Birmingham's Legion Field, seen as a neutral site, though Auburn fans believed it favoured Alabama, which played many key games there.
The in-state rivalry gained a national spotlight with the presence of coaching legends like Paul “Bear” Bryant and Nick Saban at Alabama. Bryant, who coached from 1958 to 1982, turned Alabama into a football powerhouse, winning six national championships. Under Bryant, Alabama dominated Auburn, with Bryant going 19–6 in Iron Bowls. His tenure solidified Alabama’s reputation as a perennial contender, making each Iron Bowl a battle for state supremacy.
The rivalry has produced numerous iconic moments. In 1972’s “Punt Bama Punt,” Auburn blocked two Alabama punts, returning them for touchdowns to secure an improbable 17-16 victory. In 1982, Auburn snapped Alabama’s nine-year winning streak in the “Bo Over the Top” game, thanks to a leaping touchdown by legendary Tigers running back Bo Jackson.
Nick Saban, who arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007, elevated Alabama further to a period of historic dominance, winning six national titles with the Crimson Tide. Saban's disciplined, process-based approach produced a remarkable Iron Bowl record, though the rivalry has remained unpredictable. Auburn, under coaches like Pat Dye and Gus Malzahn, found ways to upset Saban’s dominant Crimson Tide team, including the unforgettable 2013 "Kick Six" game, where Auburn’s last-second field goal return stunned Alabama 34–28.
The rivalry's balance shifted in 1989 when Auburn hosted its first on-campus Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium, defeating an undefeated Alabama team 30–20. Alabama followed suit in 2000, moving its home games to Tuscaloosa’s Bryant-Denny Stadium. Both venues have since witnessed iconic moments, with record-breaking crowds, such as Cam Newton-led Auburn’s 28–27 victory in 2010 before over 101,000 fans.
Perhaps the most unforgettable moment came in 2013’s “Kick Six” game when Auburn’s Chris Davis returned a missed Alabama field goal 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown as time expired, cementing the game as one of the greatest finishes in sports history.
While the Iron Bowl is known for its intensity, it also reflects the passion and pride of the state. Families are divided, towns come to a standstill, and bragging rights last all year.
The Trophy
The James E. Foy, V-Omicron Delta Kappa Sportsmanship Trophy, better known as the Iron Bowl, was made in 1948 and is presented to the winner.
Memorable Plays
“Punt Bama Punt”: 1972
Auburn trailed Alabama 16-3 in the fourth quarter when they blocked two consecutive punts, returning both for touchdowns, leading to a stunning 17-16 victory. This game is etched in history for Auburn’s remarkable comeback.
“The Kick”: 1985
In a nail-biting finish, Alabama’s Van Tiffin kicked a 52-yard field goal as time expired, securing a 25-23 win over Auburn. This dramatic ending remains one of the most celebrated moments in Iron Bowl history.
“The Camback”: 2010
Auburn, led by quarterback Cam Newton, overcame a 24-0 deficit to defeat Alabama 28-27, one of the greatest comebacks in college football history.
“Kick Six”: 2013
With the game tied and one second remaining, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal. Auburn’s Chris Davis caught the short kick and returned it 109 yards for a touchdown, sealing a 34-28 victory. This play is often regarded as one of the most extraordinary in college football history.
"The Gravedigger" : 2023
The 2023 Iron Bowl ended dramatically as Alabama's quarterback Jalen Milroe delivered a 31-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond on 4th-and-31 with just seconds left, securing a 27–24 victory over Auburn. The play, now dubbed "The Gravedigger," stunned the Auburn crowd and solidified its place in Iron Bowl legend.
Looking Ahead...
Both teams come into this historic showdown on the back of relatively disappointing seasons. Alabama, 8-3 overall and 4-3 in the SEC, and in their first year of the post-Saban era, have impressed in spells, reaching No.1 and defeating Georgia before succumbing to a shocking loss to perennial SEC whipping boys Vanderbilt. Two further defeats to Tennessee and Oklahoma could have already excluded them from the Playoff.
Auburn, despite their history and the millions of dollars' worth of backing from influential boosters, have struggled in recent seasons. In coach Hugh Freeze's second season, the Tigers are currently 5-6 overall and 2-5 in the conference. One win, however, could change their season completely. Beating Alabama would give Auburn a bowl game at the end of the season, but most importantly, a headline win over their bitter rivals in this huge college football rivalry.
Across The Pond College Football
Fresh off our London meetup, Tony and I are back to break down the seismic upsets of Alabama and Ole Miss, Indiana's tough loss, and the current state of college football. We wrap up the show with a preview of this weekend’s biggest rivalries in Rivalry Week.
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