AUBURN, Ala. — The Iron Bowl, known for producing unforgettable moments, delivered two miraculous events a decade apart. The haunting memory of the Kick Six, which dashed Alabama’s national championship dreams, was revisited on Saturday, but this time, the Crimson Tide turned the tables with a spectacular 31-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal in the final seconds.
Jalen Milroe’s connection with Isaiah Bond in the corner of the end zone secured a 27-24 victory, etching this play into the annals of the Iron Bowl’s storied history. Not only did it redeem Alabama in a game where Auburn initially held control, but it also kept alive the Tide’s hopes for a national championship. With a record of 11-1 (8-0 in the SEC), Alabama’s 10-game winning streak sets the stage for a showdown with No. 1 Georgia in the SEC championship game next Saturday.
Reflecting on the game-changing moment, Alabama coach Nick Saban acknowledged the role of both good fortune and execution, emphasizing the essence of playing the game.
The game’s narrative saw Auburn, coming off a disheartening 31-10 loss to New Mexico State a week ago, outplaying Alabama for a significant portion. Trailing 24-20 with just under five minutes remaining, the Tide faced adversity. However, a crucial fumble recovery by Jihaad Campbell at the Auburn 30 provided a glimmer of hope.
In a series of events that typified Alabama’s season, the Tide faced setbacks, losing yards on a mishandled snap and incurring penalties. Down to one play and 31 yards to go, Milroe’s composure and trust in his team came to the forefront. Auburn’s decision to rush only two defenders gave Milroe ample time, resulting in a perfectly placed pass to Bond, who secured the winning touchdown.
The game mirrored Alabama’s season-long resilience. Despite imperfections and moments of vulnerability, the Crimson Tide repeatedly rallied, exemplified by their comeback wins over Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Tennessee, LSU, and now Auburn. Saban highlighted the team’s competitive character and resilience, viewing it as a valuable lesson for life.
Bond emphasized the absence of panic on the Alabama sideline before the pivotal play, echoing the team’s determination to finish strong. Despite facing adversity throughout the game, the Tide maintained their identity and showcased their resolve.
For Auburn coach Hugh Freeze and his team, the loss marked a disappointing end to the season. Although the Tigers remain bowl-eligible with a 6-6 record (3-5 in the SEC), the defeat left a lingering sense of hurt among players and fans.
Looking ahead, Saban stressed the need for improvement and consistency as Alabama aims for postseason success, starting with the SEC championship game against Georgia. The coach acknowledged his pride in the team’s victory but maintained a focus on evaluating performance for future success.
As Jalen Milroe embraced his father and left the locker room, he became a part of Alabama’s storied legacy. Saban credited Milroe’s progress for transforming the team and the offense, solidifying his place in Crimson Tide history. Milroe, savoring the moment, expressed that he would never forget this game, capturing the magnitude of a play destined to become legendary in Tuscaloosa.
