Jordan: Iron Bowl Preview
by Jordan '
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posted Nov 25 2011 8:29PM
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The Iron Bowl. One of college football’s greatest rivalries. Sure, there are ones that have been played longer – this will be the 76th meeting between Alabama and Auburn – but I challenge you to find a more bitterly contested one.
The day of the Iron Bowl is the most important day of the year in the state of Alabama. The state is divided, cities are divided, families are divided. This one day sets the tone for the other 364 days.
There is no neutral in this series. If you live in Alabama, you are simply a Tide fan or an Auburn fan. Whether you’re a native Alabaman or a transplant, you must choose. Your favorite colors are either orange and blue or crimson and white.
The rivalry can go to extremes. Who can forget Harvey Updyke? A lifelong Alabama fan – his children are named Crymson Tide and Bear Bryant – who poisoned the iconic oak trees at Toomers Corner in Auburn after Alabama’s loss in last year’s Iron Bowl and bragged about it on the radio.
I was born and raised in New Orleans, and I only spent four years at the University of Alabama. But as soon as I stepped on campus, I realized just how large this game looms over the state.
It’s hard to believe, but the Iron Bowl has only increased in importance. This will mark the fourth straight year that the Iron Bowl has national title implications.
In 2008, the then-undefeated Crimson Tide hosted the Tigers and blasted Auburn for a 36-0 win. It was Alabama’s first win in the series since 2001. Alabama wound up losing the SEC championship to eventual national champion Florida.
In 2009, Alabama was again undefeated and ranked #2 in the country when they marched into Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn jumped out to an early lead but couldn’t stem the Tide. In what has simply become known as The Drive, Bama drove down the field in the 4th quarter to score what would be the game-winning touchdown with just over a minute left. Bama went on to win the national championship.
2010 saw undefeated Auburn stage the largest comeback in Iron Bowl history. Down 24-0, the Tigers clawed their way back and won 28-27. Auburn would go on to win the national championship. Since that game, Alabama players have been bombarded with videos and images of that defeat at the hands of Auburn, often accompanied by the message “Never Again.”
Though neither team is undefeated this year, the Crimson Tide are again ranked #2 in the country and can almost definitely clinch a spot in the BCS championship game with a win. Auburn will try to play the spoiler and knock their in-state foe out of the title picture.
Rankings and records go out the window during the Iron Bowl. Nothing is guaranteed.
Tags : Topics : SportsSocial : SportsLocations : Alabama, Florida, New OrleansPeople : Harvey Updyke
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