Alabama clinches spot in SEC Championship Game with win over Auburn
By Mark Kern
Published:
Alabama entered Saturday’s game with a chance to clinch a spot in the SEC Championship Game if the Crimson Tide could knock off in-state rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Almost any time these 2 teams play, it is a competitive battle with some incredible endings.
While it wasn’t easy, the Alabama Crimson Tide did just enough to get the victory, and will now take on Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.
The Crimson Tide got off to a fast start against the Tigers, as Ty Simpson threw 2 first-half touchdowns to take an early 17-0 lead. However, the Tigers were able to cut the deficit to 11 at the half, and then got right back in the game when Malcolm Simmons caught a 64-yard pass to cut the deficit to 4.
Simmons again made his presence felt in the game, as he took a 66-yard pass to the 2-yard line that Jeremiah Cobb finished to tie the game at 20.
Ultimately, Alabama got a third touchdown catch from Isaiah Horton to clinch a dramatic 27-20 victory over its heated rival.
With the win, the Crimson Tide will take on Georgia in a rematch from a game in Athens earlier in the year. Alabama picked up its biggest win of the season that night, as the Crimson Tide held on to beat the Bulldogs, 24-21.
Simpson was fantastic in that game 24-of-38 for 276 yards, while scoring 3 total touchdowns. With the win against Auburn, the Crimson Tide figure to have clinched a spot in the College Football Playoff. But the winner of this game could potentially have a bye in the first round.
