Sports Rivalries: Alabama v. Auburn
Though college football’s 2014–2015 season is now (sadly) in the rearview mirror, you can’t spend time talking about great sports rivalries without discussing college gridiron. And there are some great, long-standing rivalries in NCAA football such as Ohio St. — Michigan, Army — Navy, and Oklahoma — Texas.
But today I choose to focus on my favorite of the college football rivalries: Alabama — Auburn. If you really, really want to dig deep into this rivalry and the madness that their matchups precipitate, I cannot recommend to you enough the book Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer. It’s hilariously awesome and will make you want to buy an RV, show up to the stadium parking lot on Tuesday even though the game isn’t ’til Saturday, and party with the chicken guy and the guy who makes the hottest “tomaters” in the state.
For those of you very unfamiliar with the ‘Bama (Roll Tide) matchup against Auburn, the first thing you should know is that the two teams play in the SEC Conference and have amassed a whopping 31 conference titles combined — ranking them both among the most winning college football programs in history. (Though it should be noted that these 31 titles break down to 23 for ‘Bama and 8 for Auburn).
When Alabama and Auburn face off during the regular season, the game is referred to as the Iron Bowl. And it’s aired on national TV every year. Why is it such a big deal, you ask? Well for starters, the two schools have a long, storied “dislike” for one another that dates back to the 19th Century. There have been arguments over land grants, money, and race. But on a more basic level, ‘Bama is the oldest, most stately, and largest university in the state and is seen as the capstone of the public school system; incidentally, for better or for worse, ‘Bama is also known for its arrogance. And then there’s “little brother” Auburn with its roots in more agricultural studies. You simply cannot live in the state of Alabama and support both teams — it’s one or the other. And in a state lacking any professional sports teams, college football is life and religion all wrapped up in one.
Competition between the Crimson Tide and the Tigers has been taking place on the football field since 1893. At one point things got so intense, the two teams stopped playing each other. That lasted 41 years. Eventually they resumed playing initially at a neutral location (that wasn’t really so neutral) and games were subsequently brought back to campus. Losing typically entails a year’s worth of teasing, if not downright misery dealt by the competition, until it’s time to face off again for a new year of bragging rights.
Since 2000, there have been some incredibly wild games. Alabama has had their share of great wins. There was, of course, the jaw-dropping beatdown in 2005 when Alabama won over Auburn 36–0. 2009’s “The Drive” game put Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy on the map with his game winning touchdown to edge Auburn 26–21.
Auburn has also shared in the victory column. The unbelievable “Sleet Game” in 2000 saw Auburn winning with three field goals. The “Cam-Back” with superstar quarterback Cam Newton and his Tigers squad storming back from a 24–0 deficit to win the game 28–27. And just a few years ago — perhaps one of the most incredible games in college football history — the 2013 “Kick-Six” game ended in ultra “I cannot believe that just happened” fashion. Number 1 Alabama was playing the number 4 Auburn (at Auburn). With the game tied at 28 — and with one second remaining in regulation — Alabama kicked a last second field goal. The kick fell short and Auburn’s Chris Davis returned the ball 109 yards for a touchdown in what is arguably the most improbable and memorable play in the history of college football.
Absolute craziness. Incredible stories. And that is why this matchup is always my favorite.
