Alabama Football Triumphs in the Iron Bowl
Alabama football returned to Bryant-Denny Stadium with a mission. After falling to Oklahoma in Norman, the Iron Bowl offered a chance for redemption. The Crimson Tide didn’t just redeem themselves—they dominated.
No. 13 Alabama secured its fifth consecutive win over Auburn on Saturday, cruising to a 28-14 victory. Under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama continued its strong tradition against the Tigers. DeBoer joined Dennis Franchione as the only Alabama coaches to beat Auburn in their first Iron Bowl since 2001. Neither Nick Saban nor Bear Bryant achieved the feat. DeBoer also became just the second Alabama coach to secure an Iron Bowl win in Tuscaloosa.
The Crimson Tide ended the regular season undefeated at home. With the SEC Championship out of reach, Alabama now waits for its postseason assignment.
Game Summary: Key Moments
First Quarter
Alabama started strong on defense, forcing a three-and-out on Auburn’s first drive. Payton Thorne’s incompletion set the tone early. The Crimson Tide’s defense gave Alabama solid field position at their 41-yard line.
Ryan Williams’s first catch ended in a fumble. Auburn recovered, but their offensive struggles continued. A missed 39-yard field goal attempt left the Tigers scoreless. Alabama’s offense soon capitalized.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe showcased his rushing ability, scoring the first touchdown on a 19-yard run. The Tide led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter despite Auburn holding a slight edge in total yards.
Second Quarter
Alabama’s defense kept Auburn in check early in the second quarter. A fourth-down stop in the red zone stifled Auburn’s momentum. Malachi Moore’s deflection was critical in forcing the turnover on downs.
Milroe added to his highlight reel with a 1-yard touchdown run. Justice Haynes’s blocking opened the lane for Milroe’s second score. This gave Alabama a 14-3 lead.
Auburn finally got on the board with a 37-yard field goal. Ian Vachon’s kick ended a nine-play, 72-yard drive. However, Alabama’s defense continued to bend without breaking. A late strip sack on Milroe gave Auburn one last chance in the half. Still, Alabama held a 14-6 lead going into the break.
Third Quarter
The second half started fast for Alabama. Justice Haynes capped off a 75-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. The Crimson Tide stretched their lead to 21-6.
The defense followed up with a three-and-out. Tim Keenan’s sack on Thorne forced Auburn’s fourth punt of the day.
Milroe’s third rushing touchdown electrified the crowd. A 17-yard burst, aided by Haynes’s block, extended Alabama’s lead to 28-6. Tempers flared shortly after when DeVonta Smith clashed with Auburn’s Malachi Smith. A sideline skirmish resulted in unsportsmanlike penalties.
Auburn’s offense finally responded. Thorne connected with Cam Coleman on a 29-yard fade for their first touchdown. Jarquez Hunter converted the two-point play, cutting Alabama’s lead to 28-14 by the end of the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter
Auburn’s comeback hopes faded in the final frame. Jalen Milroe’s fumble was a brief hiccup, but Alabama’s defense stepped up. Bray Hubbard intercepted a trick-play pass from Hunter, halting Auburn’s momentum. Despite a penalty, Alabama retained possession.
Zabien Brown sealed the game with another interception late in the fourth quarter. James Burnip’s second punt of the day pinned Auburn at their 3-yard line, securing field position dominance.
Injury Updates
Defensive lineman Tim Keenan exited the game early in the fourth quarter. Assisted by trainers, Keenan walked off the field. His status remains unclear.
Senior Day
Before the game, Alabama honored its senior players. Among them were key contributors like Malachi Moore, Tim Smith, and James Burnip. Their leadership has been instrumental in Alabama’s success this season.
Looking Ahead
The Iron Bowl win marks a historic milestone for Kalen DeBoer. With a 28-14 victory, he joins elite company in Alabama lore. However, the team’s journey is far from over. While the SEC title is out of reach, Alabama remains poised for a significant bowl game.
Auburn, meanwhile, ends its regular season at 6-6. The Tigers await their own postseason fate, still seeking a return to glory under Hugh Freeze.
Why the Iron Bowl Matters
The Iron Bowl remains one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. Its name, coined by former Auburn coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan in 1964, reflects Alabama’s steel industry heritage. Though the game has moved from Birmingham’s Legion Field to campus stadiums, its intensity hasn’t waned.
This year’s installment lived up to its legacy. For Alabama, the win secures bragging rights and a continuation of dominance over their in-state rival.
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