AUBURN, Ala. - It was the way it should have been. An Auburn team that most of the country believed to surely be inferior to the Crimson Tide. But at the same time, that really didn’t matter. It was the Iron Bowl in Jordan-Hare, anything could have happened. Auburn would lead for the majority of the second half, and seemed to have the win firmly within reach. That’s when Alabama would convert a 4th and goal from the Auburn 31-yard line with only 32 seconds left to defeat the Tigers 27-24.
If you asked an Auburn fan if it would be possible to top some of the more devastating losses in recent history, such as the 2013-2014 National Championship or even the 2021 Iron Bowl, they might tell you it would be impossible. After tonight, they might have a different answer.
“There’s a lot of hurt in that locker room,” said an emotional head coach Hugh Freeze. “Our kids gave us a chance to win the Iron Bowl tonight, but that’s going to stick with us for a while.”
The rivalry certainly lived up to the hype, with both teams trading big blows all night long.
For the Tide, it was Jalen Milroe doing it in all aspects of the game. He would end the night with 366 all purpose yards. Perhaps the ones that hurt Auburn the most, were the 107 that he picked up on the ground. Milroe continued to extend plays, and put his dynamic ability on full display.
“He’s a dynamic runner, really dynamic with his legs,” said Junior linebacker Eugene Asante. “He’s certainly someone that proved himself today.”
Milroe’s final 31 yards, and his second score of the night, would come on the 4th and goal conversion that will be haunting Auburn fans for long after the night is over.
Auburn’s success would be found on the ground, an area they knew they would have to dominate if they wanted to hang with Alabama.
The game plan was executed extremely well, as the Tigers were able to go for 244 yards rushing. Running backs Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston went for 93 and 85 yards respectively. Payton Thorne may have only added 57, but his physical running and willingness to take a hit propelled the Tigers into a dogfight with the 8th ranked team in the nation.
“Our backs, tight ends, and o-line took it personally,” said Freeze. “We knew we had to run the football to win this game, and I thought we ran the ball well enough to win this game.”
Auburn gave Alabama all they could handle, but the moral victories won’t be on the forefront of any staff or players minds. The hurt will surely stick for a while.
“I don’t think any coach has the words,” said Freeze. “You tell them you love them, that we’ll get through it, but it’s gonna hurt. There’s no way around it. You’re going to have to walk through the hurt.”
Milroe’s ball seemed to be in the air for an eternity. Auburn rushed two, and Milroe took his time to pick out Isaiah Bond in the back left corner of the north end zone in Jordan-Hare. The Auburn faithful stood in shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
A play that felt eerily similar to the 28 yard touchdown connection between Bryce Young and Ja’Corey Brooks that tied the 2021 Iron Bowl with only 24 seconds left on the clock. Auburn would go on to lose that one in devastating fashion as well.
“For this to happen again, it hurts,” said Senior safety Jaylin Simpson, who was the one defending Brooks during that play. “It’s very heartbreaking.”
It seems almost impossible now, but Auburn will have to move on, as they await their bowl destination.
“There’s always something to learn from in every game,” said Simpson. “We need to take it, fix it, and correct it for our next game that we play. Our bowl game.”
The Tigers will have one more game in Freeze’s first year on the plains. Making a bowl game was a goal for the first year coach, and he succeeded in doing so. All attention will be fixed on the game with the opponent and location to be determined.
The heartbreaking, but inspiring performance from the Tigers inside Jordan-Hare Stadium should serve as a reminder of just how special this game is. The Iron Bowl hardly ever disappoints, and it sure did not tonight.
