Alabama beat Auburn 55-44, which was the highest scoring Iron Bowl in the series history, combining for 99 points. The highest scoring game coming into tonight was in 1969 when Auburn beat Alabama 49-26, combining for 75 points in that game.
Auburn offense finished with a total of 630 yards, which is by far the most Alabama has given up this season. The Tigers had plenty of opportunities to score touchdowns, but had to settle for a field goal five times. Auburn was in the red zone on all five field goals. Alabama defense stepped up and proved while they are the top team in the country.
Auburn lead Alabama 26-21 at the half, after trailing 14-6 at the end of the first quarter. Alabama got off to a quick start after an Auburn fumble set them up with great field position. It looked like the Crimson Tide were going to blow Auburn out of the stadium, but the Tigers quickly rebound and drove down the field kicking a field goal.
Amari Cooper had the game of his life, catching 13 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns. Cooper is my pick for the Heisman Trophy right now and this game might be the one that wins it for him. The 224 yards is an Iron Bowl record.
This is the catch that changed the momentum of the game.
Blake Sims got off to a very shaky start, throwing two interceptions in the first half and opening up the second half with another. Sims settled down and had one of the greatest second half turn arounds I’ve ever seen. Sims finished with 312 yards, completing 20 of his 27 attempts with four touchdowns. Sims had only thrown four interceptions coming into the game and is the first Alabama quarterback under Nick Saban to throw three in a game.
T.J. Yeldon had another solid game, rushing for 127 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns.
Nick Marshall had a big game, but had threw a key interception in the second half. Marshall completed 27 of his 43 attempts with three touchdowns in an interception. Marshall also ran for 49 yards. Cameron Artis-Payne ran for 77 yards on 25 carries, he had a very quite second half after running all over Alabama in the first half. Sammie Coates set an Auburn record for receiving yards in the Iron Bowl. Coates finished with 206 yards on five receptions and two touchdowns. D’haqquille Williams had seven receptions for 121 yards. Can Bray also had a big game for the Tigers catching four passes for 74 yards. Freshman kicker Daniel Carlson hit all five of his field goal attempts and the future looks bright for Carlson.
Alabama improves to 11-1 on the season, while Auburn fell to 8-4. The Crimson Tide will face Missouri next week in the SEC Championship next week. Auburn will await their bowl destination.
Alabama improved to 47-1 under Saban, when leading by 11 points at any point during a home game.
