Auburn Tigers vs Alabama Crimson Tide Tickets

The rivalry matchup between the Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide defines what a college football rivalry is all about. Think the Hatfields & McCoys of Alabama. The game between the two is referred to as the “Iron Bowl” due to the influence of the steel industry in Birmingham, AL where the game was played for years. Their first meeting took place in 1893, with Auburn edging out Alabama 32-22. The two sides have met close to 90 times, with Alabama holding a slight lead.

The Iron Bowl

Alabama’s Best Square Off

The rivalry between these two Southeastern Conference powerhouses has been one of the most heated in the country. What further adds to the contention is that these two rivals are also competing in-state for recruits. The game has traditionally been played on Thanksgiving weekend, and both times have found themselves in college football’s elite circle for decades. The two schools collectively have 36 SEC conference titles, and over 120 bowl game appearances. It is no wonder these two have been national television fixtures since the 1970’s. Since 1999, the games have been played at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium in odd-numbered years, and at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa every even-numbered year.

Storied Programs and Trophy Collecting

The winner of the Iron Bowl is presented with the Foy-ODK Trophy. It is named after James E. Foy, a former dean of students at Auburn, and Omicron Delta Kappa, an honor society located on both campuses since the 1920’s. It is presented also to the winner of the Auburn-Alabama basketball game later in the year at the winner’s home court, where the SGA President of the losing team must sing the winning team’s fight song.

Alabama has had far more success recently than Auburn in their quest for the National Championship, having gone 3-0 during the BCS National Championship era, and more recently 3-3 in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is no stranger to raising the championship trophy, and having his name attached to not only single-game and season records, but also recruiting the top high school players. As good as the Crimson Tide are, Auburn looks to play spoiler and every year ruin Alabama’s chances at an SEC title or making it into the big game.

Memorable Moments

2009 – With Auburn leading at home in the fourth quarter, Alabama engineered a 15-play 79-yard drive that lasted over seven minutes. Alabama, led by eventual Heisman Trophy winner running back Mark Ingram, won the game 26-21. The Crimson Tide would go on to win the SEC Championship and the National Championship ending the season a perfect 14-0

2010 – The #2 ranked Auburn Tigers would defeat Alabama 28-27 in Tuscaloosa. The Tigers came back from being down 24-0-the largest comeback in series history. Led by quarterback, and eventual Heisman winner Cam Newtown, the Tigers would go on to not only defeat Alabama, but also win the National Championship. This was by far one of the most volatile seasons among the two, as Auburn fans decorated legendary Alabama coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant’s statue with a Cam Newton jersey, and an Alabama fan would go on to poison the famous oak trees at Toomer’s Corner, a famous Auburn campus location.

2021 – Alabama defeats Auburn 24-22 in a four-overtime game. Alabama had trailed 10-3 with 1:43 left but managed to craft a 97 yard touchdown to tie the game and force the first overtime in Iron Bowl history.

Famous Alabama Crimson Tide & Auburn Tigers Players

Alabama

Amari Cooper - What normally takes a college receiver four years, Cooper managed to do in three. Not only did he set an Alabama record with 11 touchdowns as a freshmen, he would go on to win a National Championship. Cooper would go on to be elected an All-American, as well as winning the Biletnikoff Award – given out to the nation’s best wide receiver. He finished third that year in Heisman voting.

Mark Ingram Jr - Despite its years of success and accolades, no player had won a Heisman until Ingram arrived in 2009. The powerful running back set records in yards and touchdowns. Ingram helped the Crimson Tide cap off a perfect undefeated season in 2009 and would go on to the NFL.

Derrick Henry - Built like Hercules, Derrick Henry arrived at Alabama and carved his way up and down the field. The running back did not disappoint Tuscaloosa fans. Winning the 215 Heisman, the running back plowed his way into the record books, setting the single-season and career yards and touchdowns scored records. He capped off his Alabama career with winning a National Championship.

Derrick Thomas - When Derrick Thomas stepped on the field, opposing quarterbacks took notice. Thomas was a sack-collecting monster. Thomas holds the school record for most career sacks (52)

Joe Namath - Before he was known as “Broadway Joe” on the New York Jets, Joe Namath played under legendary coach Bear Bryant from 1962-1964. He had an illustrious career at Alabama setting many collegiate records. In his three years as the starter for the Crimson Tide he led them to a 29-4 record.

Auburn

Carnell “Cadillac” Williams - When someone gets compared to the likes of Bo Jackson for their on-field performance and record-breaking seasons, they deserve to be recognized as one of Auburn’s greats. “Cadillac” Williams stepped onto campus and instantly became one of college football’s greatest running backs, setting the school record for touchdowns in four seasons with 45.

Carlos Rogers - It’s not often a college freshmen steps on the field and makes as big of splash on defense as Rogers did. One of Auburn’s major award winners, Carlos Rogers was a premier player on the 2004 Tigers team that missed out on playing for a National Championship. In his senior year, Rogers was a finalist for numerous defensive player-of-the-year awards.

Cam Newton - In his lone season as quarterback at Auburn, Cam Newton not only racked up single season feats and records, but went on to win a Heisman, National Championship. Did I mention he did it with a team that was ranked outside the top 20 at the start of the season. Newton’s 2010 season is arguably one of the best single-season’s for a college quarterback.

Bo Jackson - Bo Knows! Bo Jackson isn’t just the best Auburn football player of all time. Bo Jackson is arguably THE best athlete of all time. Aside from his litany of accolades in college, Bo Jackson went on to become an NFL Pro Bowler, as well as an All-Star in Major League Baseball (the only athlete to ever accomplish such a feat) before a freak hip injury derailed his career.

Why is the Iron Bowl so important?

The Iron Bowl has become an important piece of Alabama collegiate football. Dating back to 1893, the Iron Bowl represents one of college football's greatest rivalries. Not only is it important to win, but invariably National Championship implications are at stake.

What is the all-time record in the Iron Bowl?

As of 2022, Alabama leads Auburn 48-37-1

How many Heisman winners does Alabama have?

Four - Mark ingram, DeVonta Smith, Bryce Young, Derrick Henry

Why do they say War Eagle at Auburn?

Delighted by their teams performance, and taking the bird's presence as a sign of success, Auburn students and fans yell "War Eagle" to cheer on their team.