1971 Iron Bowl

1971-11-27

Birmingham, AL (Legion Field)

ALABAMA

Ranked #5

31

WINNER

VS

AUBURN

7

Game Summary

The 1971 Iron Bowl was dubbed the "Game of the Century" in the South. Both teams entered the game undefeated: #2 Alabama (10-0) vs. #5 Auburn (9-0). It was a matchup of Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan (Auburn) against the relentless Alabama machine. The game was a decisive victory for Alabama's new wishbone offense. Alabama dominated possession and ground down the Auburn defense, winning 31-7. Alabama running back Johnny Musso rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns. The story of the game was the Alabama defense shutting down Pat Sullivan. They harassed him all day, preventing the big plays that had defined Auburn's season. The win secured the SEC title for Alabama and cemented the wishbone as the future.

Decisive Moment

Alabama's defense holding Heisman winner Pat Sullivan to just 7 points while the offense controlled the clock.

Key Players

Johnny Musso (Alabama) ↗

Pat Sullivan (Auburn) ↗

Terry Beasley (Auburn) ↗

Terry Davis (Alabama)

📜

Historical Deep Dive

The 1971 Iron Bowl was dubbed the “Game of the Century” in the South. Both teams entered the game undefeated: #2 Alabama (10-0) vs. #5 Auburn (9-0). It was a matchup of Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan (Auburn) against the relentless Alabama machine.

The Wishbone vs. The Arm

The game was a decisive victory for Alabama’s new wishbone offense. Alabama dominated possession and ground down the Auburn defense, winning 31-7. Alabama running back Johnny Musso rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

Shutting Down Sullivan

The story of the game was the Alabama defense shutting down Pat Sullivan. They harassed him all day, preventing the big plays that had defined Auburn’s season. The win secured the SEC title for Alabama and cemented the wishbone as the future of Alabama football.