2013 Alabama vs Auburn

There are few moments in the world of college football where essentially all fans can remember exactly where they were for a particular game. The 2013 Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn is one of those few. The combination of the historic and heated rivalry, the opposing styles of head coaches Nick Saban and Gus Malzahn, the championship stakes and the wild finish of the game all add up to one of the most memorable college football games of all time.

Heading Into The Game

Leading up to November 30th, 2013, the Alabama Crimson Tide were ranked #1 with a 11-0 record. In fact, they had been the top ranked team in the land the entire season starting with the initial pre-season polls. Coming off national championships in both 2011 and 2012, Alabama was the heavy favorite to win the championship this season, giving Nick Saban three straight and four in five seasons.

Auburn was the cinderella team of 2013. Coming off a 3-9 season which led Head Coach Gene Chizik out the door, and named Gus Malzahn as the new head man for Auburn, Auburn was a shocked 10-1 entering the Iron Bowl. Auburn had just won the previous game against rival Georgia in spectacular fashion. Quarterback Nick Marshall threw a 73-yard, deflected “Hail Mary” pass on 4th and 18 with 36 seconds left in the game to receiver Ricardo Louis who took the ball into the end zone, preserving Auburn’s chances at winning the SEC West and beyond. For most teams, the spectacular play which ended the Georgia game may have been the most amazing play in decades; however, for Auburn, it would prove to not be the most exciting play during just that month.

The Game

In front of its home crowd, Auburn jumped ahead in the first quarter 7-0 with a 45 yard touchdown run by quarterback Nick Marshall. In the second quarter, the Crimson Tide roared back with three consecutive touchdowns led by veteran quarterback A.J. McCarron. Before heading to the locker room, Auburn cut into the Tide’s lead with a 1 yard Tre Mason touchdown run. Alabama led Auburn 21-14 at half time.

In the second half, Auburn’s defense buckled down while their offense fell into a rhythm. A 13 yard touchdown pass by Nick Marshall to C.J. Uzomah tied the game as the game headed into the 4th quarter.

The 4th quarterback fireworks began early with a 99 yard touchdown pass from McCarron to Amari Cooper for the Crimson Tide, but that would be the last time the Tide got into the end zone.

Down 28-21, Auburn got the ball with 2:41 left to play on their own 35 yard line. Six consecutive punishing runs by Tre Mason were followed up by Nick Marshall hitting Sammy Coates for a 39 yard touchdown pass to tie the game.

The Finish

Alabama took over a 28-28 game on their own 29 yard line with 32 seconds left to play. One 3rd and 1 with 7 seconds left to play, running back T.J. Yeldon broke free and gained 24 yards. When Yeldon went down, it wasn’t clear if there was any time left on the clock. Alabama Head Coach argued with the refs to ensure 1 second was put back on the clock. After an official review, 1 second was put back on the clock giving Alabama a chance for a game-winning field goal.

The 57 yard field goal attempt to end the game was short. Auburn’s Chris Davis caught the ball 9 yards deep in his own end zone and returned the ball 109 yards to win the game with no time remaining on the clock.

Auburn’s Chris Davis scoring the game winning touchdown on a missed field goal. Image Credit: USA TODAY SPORTS

Despite the historic sprint of 109 yards, Chris Davis was credited with a 100-yard touchdown return under NCAA scoring rules.

The Importance

The incredible finish of the 2013 Iron Bowl ended Alabama’s hopes to win the SEC and compete for a third straight national championship. Moreover, the win gave Auburn the SEC West title, and they would go on to face and beat the Missouri Tigers in the SEC Championship. Auburn will end up in the top two of the final BCS rankings which landed the Tigers a spot in the BCS Championship Game against the Florida State Seminoles. Auburn lost to Florida State in the BCS Championship.

In addition to the championship ramifications of the season, the 2013 Iron Bowl rejuvenated the Alabama-Auburn rivalry which had been dominated in recent years by Nick Saban’s Alabama. It sparked a new rivalry between the offensive fireworks of a Gus Malzahn led Auburn Tigers team and the relentless defensive teams of Nick Saban.