Auburn, AL – You can take all the records, statistics, and analysis and throw them in the trash when talking about Alabama vs. Auburn football. Now take that trash, and set it on fire. That’s how little numbers and records matter when these two teams take the field in their over 100 year old rivalry.
Two years ago first overall NFL draft pick Bryce Young was able to put his individual stamp on the rivalry by putting the Tide on his back in an epic 24-22 overtime win.
This year it would be Jalen Milroe becoming an Iron Bowl Legend.
Auburn (6-5) was fresh off of a humiliating loss to unranked New Mexico State (9-3), giving the Aggies their first win over an SEC opponent in school history.
But in true rivalry fashion, the Tigers pushed Milroe and the Tide to the brink, leaving the game to be decided on a hail mary-esque throw with 32 seconds left in the game.
“We’ve been on both sides of the good fortune and the misfortune, and I’ve got to admit, we had good fortune,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “But it still comes down to ability to execute. Somebody had an opportunity to make a play, whether it was their punt returner or IB [Bond] in the end zone and whoever was guarding him.
“That’s why you play the game.”
Roydell Williams got the Tide on the board with a two-yard run. Damari Alson answered for Auburn on the next series on a four-yard run of his own.
Will Reichard put the Tide up 10-7 on a 32-yard field goal just under a minute into the second quarter, and from there it seemed the winner would be whoever had the ball last.
A muffed punt return by Koy Moore with Auburn leading 24-20 in the fourth quarter would provide the perfect backdrop for Milroe to author one of the greatest fourth down conversions you will ever see.
On 4th and 31, (Yes 4th and 31) Milroe was able to hang in the pocket and throw an absolute laser to Isaiah Bond in the left corner of the endzone with 32 seconds remaining in the game, putting the Tide up 27-24. This score would ultimately end up being the final one.
For the last two plays of the season for the Tigers, Auburn Quarterback Payton Thorne would be sacked, then throw an interception.
In the end it was the turnovers that cost Auburn, as they turned the ball over three times. The last one, sealing their fate. In the end they were able to pile up 337 yards of total offense.
Alabama had no turnovers and finished the game with 451 total yards.
Milroe finished his day completing 16-24 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns while Auburn’s Thorne struggled, completing 5-16 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown and two interceptions.
Despite the loss Auburn was strong on the ground picking up 244 yards and two touchdowns.
For Alabama their playoff hopes remain alive, even if barely. They face Georgia in the SEC Championship Game next week in Atlanta on December 2.
With Christmas being next month, Alabama and its fans would love nothing more than the gift of a playoff selection and competing for a National Championship.
“I’ll never forget this game ever,” said Milroe, his big grin matched the magnitude of a play they won’t forget anytime soon in Tuscaloosa.
UP NEXT:
Bowl eligible Auburn will wait to see who they take on next.
