The Alabama vs Auburn rivalry is considered one of the most intense and fiery rivalries in college football, with Alabama and Auburn fans passionately supporting their teams. Fans from both sides take immense pride in their teams and often engage in heated discussions with fans from the opposing side to assert their dominance. The winner of the Iron Bowl has the upper hand in securing a spot in the SEC championship game and an opportunity to play for a national championship, which only adds to the intensity of the competition.
The Alabama Auburn rivalry is significant in American college football culture, highlighting the passionate competition between the two universities. The rivalry dates back to 1893 and has caused divisions within families and friendships, as people are forced to declare their allegiance to either the Crimson Tide or the Tigers. In 1947, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a resolution encouraging both universities to resume their athletic competition, underscoring the importance of this rivalry in the state’s sports culture. It’s a game that fans eagerly wait for and one that is sure to keep them on the edge of their seats until the final whistle is blown.
Iron Bowl Has Featured College Football’s Best Coaches and Players
Auburn and Alabama fans have seen some of the sport’s biggest names go head to head, with coaching legends such as Bear Bryant and Nick Saban for Alabama, and Shug Jordan and Pat Dye for Auburn. Significant Iron Bowl games at Bryant-Denny Stadium have added to the rivalry’s rich history, featuring notable comebacks and historic victories. The list of star players is just as impressive, with Alabama boasting Heisman Winners like Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, and the newest addition, Bryce Young, while Auburn has countered with legends of their own, including Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Cam Newton. The first Iron Bowl game broadcast on national television showcased the cultural impact of this rivalry. When these two teams face off, it’s not just about winning or losing – it’s about the legacies of the coaches and players who have taken part in this historic football game over the years.
This game has seen some of the sport’s biggest names go head to head, with coaching legends such as Bear Bryant and Nick Saban for Alabama, and Shug Jordan and Pat Dye for Auburn. Significant Iron Bowl games at Bryant-Denny Stadium have added to the rivalry’s rich history, featuring notable comebacks and historic victories. The list of star players is just as impressive, with Alabama boasting Heisman Winners like Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, and the newest addition, Bryce Young, while Auburn has countered with legends of their own, including Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Cam Newton. The first Iron Bowl game broadcast on national television showcased the cultural impact of this rivalry. When these two teams face off, it’s not just about winning or losing – it’s about the legacies of the coaches and players who have taken part in this historic football game over the years.
Fans from T-Town and the Plains find themselves in a constant battle for bragging rights, hoping to one-up their counterparts from the opposing side. But this rivalry extends far beyond just the wins and losses on the field. So let’s take a closer look at this storied matchup and focus on the Bragging Rights each school has over the other. We’ll compare national championships, the most lopsided wins, the number of Heisman Trophy winners, and much more.
Alabama vs Auburn Bragging Rights
| Category | Alabama | Auburn |
|---|---|---|
| Series Wins | 50 | 37 |
| Longest Series Win Streak | 9 (1973-81) & (1958-65) | 6 (2002-07) |
| Biggest Series Win | 55-0 (1948) | 40-0 (1957) |
| National Championships | 18 | 3 |
| College Football Playoff Appearances | 8 | 0 |
| SEC Championships | 30 | 8 |
| Heisman Trophy Winners | 4 | 3 |
| Pro Football Hall of Famers | 8 | 2 |
| NFL/AFL MVP Winners | 5 | 1 |
| Biggest Stadium | Bryant-Denny Stadium 101,821 | Jordan-Hare Stadium 87,451 |
FAQ About the Alabama vs Auburn Rivalry
Q What year did Auburn and Alabama first play in football
A. Feb 22, 1893 with what was then Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama winning 32-22.
Q Why is the rivalry game called the Iron Bowl
A. The rivalry was first called the “Iron Bowl” by Birmingham News Sports Editor Everett Strupper in his post-game article following Auburn’s 6-6 tie against Alabama in 1948. He wrote that “the entire Auburn team seemed to be sliding around on its ironed soles similar to skaters on an ice rink.” This phrase quickly caught on with fans across the state and beyond and has become part of the culture surrounding this yearly showdown between these two storied programs. Auburn President Ralph B. Draughon played a pivotal role in renewing the Iron Bowl series in 1948, following a lengthy hiatus in competition between the two schools.
Q. When was the last year the Iron Bowl was played in Birmingham
A. 1998
Q. What is the biggest upset in Iron Bowl history
A. The biggest upset in the historic Iron Bowl rivalry between Auburn and Alabama was undoubtedly the 2013 matchup. Entering the game, Alabama was a heavy favorite, having won eight straight games over their cross-state rivals going back to 2008. Auburn had also lost three of their last four regular season games heading into this one; on paper, it looked as if nothing could stop an unstoppable Crimson Tide steamroller from rolling over their orange and blue adversaries.
However, that didn’t prove to be the case in Jordan–Hare Stadium on November 30th of 2013. The 34–28 final score will forever be frozen in time; it’s a moment that no Alabama fan will ever forget and every Auburn supporter will remember with tears of joy streaming down their faces for generations to come.
Q. Why did Auburn and Alabama go 40 years without playing
A. The history of why the Iron Bowl rivalry between Auburn and Alabama had a 39-year hiatus between 1908 and 1947 is fascinatingly complex. The most immediate factor was the events following the 1907 football season, when University of Alabama Chancellor John Tyler gave an ultimatum to Auburn—the school had to drop their opposition from in-state teams or lose its funding.
In response, Auburn made the difficult decision to no longer play against any in-state teams, opting instead for out-of-state squads. This decision effectively ended what would become one of college football’s most famous rivalries for nearly four decades as neither university faced each other on the gridiron for nearly 40 years. Auburn President Dr. Spright Dowell expressed concern in 1923 that resuming the football games might overshadow other significant events and dominate the narrative of both institutions.
Q. What Year was the “Punt Bama Punt” Game
A. This infamous game was played in 1972 and the 17-16 Auburn victory was highlighted by the Tigers blocking two 4th quarter punts and returning them for touchdowns. Oddly enough, the same player (Bill Newton) blocked both punts and the same player, (David Langer) returned both blocked kicks for a score. The game’s sudden turnaround shocked Crimson Tide fans while Auburn fans exclaimed, “War Eagle!”
Alabama had dominated throughout the day with 14-point favorite Crimson Tide holding a 16-0 advantage with 10 minutes to play. Heading into the rivalry game, Alabama was ranked No. 2 in the nation while the Tigers were ranked ninth in the AP Poll.
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