The History, Drama and Significance of the Alabama vs Auburn Football Rivalry

The History of the Alabama vs Auburn Football Rivalry

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers have one of the most intense rivalries in all of college football. Known as the Iron Bowl, the Alabama vs Auburn game is played every year at the end of the regular season and is considered one of the greatest spectacles in American sports.

The Origins of the Rivalry

The first game between Alabama and Auburn took place in 1893 and was played in Birmingham. Alabama won that initial match-up 32-22. For the next 15 years, Alabama refused to play any more games against Auburn due to a disagreement over player eligibility rules. The rivalry was renewed in 1948 and has been played every year since.

The Alabama vs Auburn game got the nickname “Iron Bowl” in the 1950s. At the time, Birmingham was a major center of iron and steel production. The intense rivalry between the two schools reminded people of the hard-hitted nature of iron and steel. The name stuck and the Alabama vs Auburn contest has been known as the Iron Bowl ever since.

Memorable Iron Bowl Moments

Over the decades, the Alabama vs Auburn rivalry has produced some unforgettable moments and dramatic finishes:

• In 1972, under head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, Alabama executed a late4th quarter drive that culminated in a game-winning field goal as time expired to beat Auburn 17-16. This game became known simply as “Punt Bama Punt” because of a key 4th down stop by Auburn earlier in the 4th quarter.
• In 1989, Alabama kicked a late field goal to tie the game. On the ensuing kickoff, Auburn returned it for a touchdown to win the game 30-20, spoiling Alabama’s undefeated season.
• In 2010, with 24 seconds left, Auburn quarterback Cam Newton led a dramatic comeback drive and connected with wide receiver Philip Lutzenkirchen for a touchdown pass to give Auburn a 28-27 victory.
• In 2013, Auburn returned a missed Alabama field goal attempt 109 yards for a touchdown as time expired to win the Iron Bowl 34-28. The play became known as the “Kick Six.”
• In 2019, Auburn defeated Alabama 48-45 after overcoming a 31-10 second half deficit. The victory ended Alabama’s 31-game home winning streak.

Recent Games and What to Watch For

In recent years, Alabama has held the upper hand in the rivalry, winning the last two matchups. But the games have remained competitive, with Alabama earning a 42-13 win in 2020 and a 24-22 overtime victory in 2021.

This year’s 2024 edition of the Iron Bowl promises to be another classic. The game will be played at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. Here are some key storylines to follow:

• Alabama is led by head coach Nick Saban, winner of seven national championships. But there are questions about Alabama’s offense this season.
• Auburn has a new head coach in Hugh Freeze. He aims to get the Tigers back into national title contention. Auburn is seeking to avenge last year’s close overtime loss.
• The game will likely come down to quarterback play. Auburn is led by junior Bo Nix, while Alabama’s quarterback situation is unsettled heading into the game.
• Both teams feature explosive running backs that are Heisman Trophy candidates. Auburn’s Tank Bigsby and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs will be players to watch.

The Iron Bowl's National Significance

While the Alabama vs Auburn game holds special meaning for fans of both schools, it also carries national significance. The game routinely draws one of the biggest television audiences of the college football season.

Since the two schools have been such powers in college football, the Iron Bowl often impacts the national championship race and the playoffs. An Alabama or Auburn victory over their bitter rival can catapult them into playoff contention.

Some of the most memorable moments in recent college football history happened in the heated backdrop of the Alabama vs Auburn rivalry. Given the competitiveness between the two programs and the national prominence, expect the Iron Bowl to continue to shape the landscape of college football for years to come.

FAQs

When and where is the Alabama vs Auburn game played?

The Alabama vs Auburn game, known as the Iron Bowl, is played annually at the end of the regular season in late November. The location alternates between Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium and Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium each year.

How did the Alabama vs Auburn rivalry get the name "Iron Bowl"?

The rivalry got the nickname of "Iron Bowl" in the 1950s due to Birmingham's importance in the iron and steel industry. The intensity of the rivalry was compared to hard-hitting iron and steel.

Who has the overall lead in the Alabama vs Auburn series?

Alabama leads the all-time series 46-37-1. The Crimson Tide dominated the rivalry for much of the early history. Auburn has closed the gap in recent decades, especially since the 1980s.

What was the origin of the famous "Punt Bama Punt" game?

In 1972, Auburn stopped Alabama on a late 4th down, leading to a chain of events where Alabama completed a last-second field goal to win 17-16 in a dramatic comeback.

What are some of the most memorable recent Alabama vs Auburn games?

Classic recent Iron Bowl moments include the 2010 Cam Newton comeback, the 2013 "Kick Six", and Auburn's overtime upset of Alabama in 2019. The games often decide playoff and championship stakes.