Bama vs. Auburn: The Rivalry That Sets the State on Fire
If you think college football is just a game, clearly you’ve never experienced the madness that is Alabama vs. Auburn. This rivalry — better known as the Iron Bowl — is more than just a tradition. It’s a way of life in Alabama. We’re talking about a state that practically shuts down when these two teams face off.
Both teams have serious pedigree — national titles, powerhouse players, and a fanbase that breathes football 365 days a year. But when they play each other? All bets are off.
Recently, The Athletic ranked the Top 100 college football rivalries, and guess what? Bama vs. Auburn came in at #2, right behind the classic Ohio State vs. Michigan grudge match. And honestly, it’s a close call.
Here’s what Scott Dochterman of The Athletic had to say:
“Most in-state rivalries are emotional. But Auburn-Alabama? This one consumes the entire state. It goes beyond football — it’s in the culture, the families, the very air people breathe in Alabama.”
And he’s right. This game isn’t just about who wins — it’s about bragging rights at the dinner table, at work, in church, and everywhere in between.
The Iron Bowl has delivered some of college football’s most unreal, goosebump-worthy moments:
* In 1972, Auburn blocked two punts in the fourth quarter and returned both for touchdowns to win 17–16. That moment’s forever known as “Punt, Bama, Punt.”
* In 2010, Cam Newton led Auburn from a 24–0 hole to a 28–27 win. They went on to win the national title that year.
* And who could forget the legendary “Kick Six” in 2013? With the game tied and one second left, Bama tried a 57-yard field goal. It came up short — and Auburn’s Chris Davis returned it 109 yards for the game-winning TD. It might be the craziest finish in college football history.
This rivalry even went cold for decades — after a tense 1907 game, they didn’t play again until 1948. The state government had to force them back onto the field by threatening to pull university funding. That’s how deep the bad blood runs.
Since their first meeting way back in 1893, Alabama leads the series 51–37–1, and they’ve met 89 times. But stats don’t really matter here. Even when one team is down bad, the Iron Bowl brings out something primal. Emotions are sky-high, fans are unhinged, and history’s always waiting to be made.
So yeah, you can keep your polite rivalries and respectful handshakes. Down in Alabama, it’s war once a year — and the whole country tunes in to watch it go down.
“This Ain’t Just a Game!” – Analyst Says Bama vs. Auburn Is College Football’s Most Emotional Showdown
