Alabama-Auburn College Football Rivalry
One rivalry stands out among the rest in college football’s storied past, an in-state rivalry spanning over 100 years, dating back to 1893. This long-standing rivalry features the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers. These two teams have highly successful football programs, have sent countless players to the NFL, and to some, hold the greatest rivalry in all of college football.
Rivalry Overview
This rivalry spans back to 1893, when the teams met each other for their first two matchups. The Auburn Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 32-22 in their first game, and the teams met again later that year when Auburn prevailed 40-16. This matchup was played yearly until 1907, when the series was suspended due to ongoing escalating problems both on and off the field. It took legislation passed by Alabama in 1947 and the State Congress threatening to withhold funding for the schools for the rivalry to eventually continue. The series resumed in 1948, where Alabama won again, 55-0; this score remains the most significant margin of victory ever between the two teams.
Alabama and Auburn would continue to play yearly, with the matchup being one of the biggest annually, especially for those that call the state of Alabama home. The rivalry was so heated because both teams were historic powerhouses of the college football world. They have each won the SEC Championship multiple times and are two of the winningest programs in college football history. This historic success, combined with the two colleges residing merely 127 miles away, caused local fans of the area to be split between two iconic programs.
Games between the two programs are often extremely competitive, even when they were not finding success individually. The rivalry didn't get its official name of the "Iron Bowl" until 1964, when Tigers Coach Ralph Jordan was famously quoted saying, "We've got our bowl game. We have it every year. It's the Iron Bowl in Birmingham." This came after the coach was asked about missing out on an official bowl game and marked the importance of the rivalry between the two schools.
Notable Rivalry Games
- Alabama at Auburn on December 2nd, 1972: This game is known for the phrase "Punt Bama Punt," as the Tigers came back from a 16-0 deficit against the Crimson Tide in the 4th quarter during that year's Iron Bowl. Auburn's defense blocked two punts within the last 10 minutes to win, with the final score being 17-16.
- Auburn at Alabama on November 26th, 2010: In 2010, future NFL quarterback Cam Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a comeback victory after trailing by 24 points in the second quarter. This iconic Iron Bowl is remembered as "The Camback," as Newton helped orchestrate Alabama’s downfall at their home field in Tuscaloosa.
- Alabama at Auburn on November 30th, 2013: Referred to as the "Kick-Six" game, Auburn defeated Alabama in one of the most memorable endings to any college football game in history. With the game tied 28-28 and 1 second left in regulation, Bama elected to kick a field goal that was then returned for the game-winning score by Auburn's Chris Davis.
Notable Players and Coaches in the Rivalry
- Bear Bryant: Former Alabama head coach from 1958-1982. Paul "Bear" Bryant, a former player and future coach of the Crimson Tide, led them to six national championships. Bryant was known for his trademark houndstooth hat and breaking racial barriers in the 70s by being the first Alabama coach to actively recruit players of African American descent.
- Nick Saban: Alabama Football head coach from 2007- Present. Nick Saban has led Bama to the most recent success they have had both in terms of winning and in the Iron Bowl.
- Cam Newton: Former Auburn quarterback from 2007-2010. Cam Newton was the starting quarterback for the Tigers during the iconic "Camback" game. Drafted number one overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.
- Chris Davis: Former Auburn cornerback from 2010-2013. Chris Davis was responsible for scoring the game-winning touchdown during the famous "Kick-Six" game in the 2013 Iron Bowl. He played in the NFL from 2014-2016.
Helpful Links
- Alabama-Auburn: Why the Iron Bowl Is the Greatest Rivalry in College Football
- Iron Bowl: 10 Greatest Moments in Alabama vs. Auburn Rivalry History
- The "Kick-Six"
- What is the Iron Bowl? Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry explained
- Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry: Complete history of The Iron Bowl
- Video: Best Rivalries of All-Time | Alabama vs. Auburn
FAQ
Why are Alabama and Auburn rivals?
The reason behind the Auburn and Alabama rivalry changes based on who you ask, due to the numerous factors that contribute to the rivalry’s intensity. For some, it's as simple as them residing in the same state; to others, it is due to the historical success of the respective programs and the competitive nature of their games.
When did the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn start?
The rivalry unofficially began on the date of the team’s first meeting back in 1893. Still, they did not play each other routinely until 1948 due to political and legal concerns. After his famous quote, the Iron Bowl rivalry was officially named in 1964 by then Tigers coach Ralph Jordan. To some, that marks the official beginning of the rivalry being recognized on a national level between the two teams.
What is the name of the annual football game played between Alabama and Auburn?
The annual game between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide is known as the Iron Bowl. This was the name selected mainly because the game was initially played at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, and was meant to honor the city's integral role in the nation's steel industry. The game is now held at alternating home fields between the two teams. Auburn hosts the Iron Bowl during even years, and Alabama hosts during odd years.