1948 Iron Bowl

1948-12-04

Birmingham, AL (Legion Field)

ALABAMA

WINNER

AUBURN

Game Summary

The 1948 Iron Bowl was more than a game; it was a resurrection. After 41 years of silence, Alabama and Auburn met on the gridiron at Legion Field. The result was the most lopsided victory in series history: Alabama 55, Auburn 0. Alabama scored six touchdowns in the second half alone. While the game was a mismatch, the real victory was that the rivalry was back, never to be interrupted again.

Series Snapshot

#13

Meeting of 90

5-7-1

Series after game

1-0-0

Record in the 1940s through this game

Widest-margin rank

Before this meeting, the archive record stood at Alabama 4, Auburn 7, with 1 tie. The 1948 result moved it to Alabama 5, Auburn 7, with 1 tie.

This was the 1st listed Iron Bowl of the 1940s. Through this game, Alabama had 1 win, Auburn had 0, and the decade included 0 ties.

The teams combined for 55 points, ranking #13 in total scoring among the 90 meetings in the current archive, with 3 games sharing that total. The 55-point margin ranks #1 by size.

This archive page combines verified game data with available rivalry context for the modern series record. In the surrounding chronology, the previous listed meeting was 1907 and the next was 1949.

Decisive Moment

The opening kickoff, marking the return of the rivalry after 41 years.

Key Players

Ed Salem (Alabama)

Rebel Steiner (Alabama)

Butch Avinger (Alabama)

Travis Tidwell (Auburn)

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Historical Deep Dive

41 Years Later

The atmosphere was electric as the two schools finally renewed pleasantries. However, the game itself was no contest. Alabama, led by quarterback Ed Salem, demolished Auburn.

The Blowout

Alabama scored six touchdowns in the second half alone. The 55-point margin of victory remains the largest in the history of the Iron Bowl. While the game was a mismatch, the real victory was that the rivalry was back, never to be interrupted again.

Alabama 13 - Auburn 14

Editorial note

Iron Bowl History separates verified game data from editorial interpretation. Scores, dates, and rivalry records are maintained from official records, media guides, game books, and contemporary accounts when available. See our sources and methodology page for correction standards.