1972 Iron Bowl

1972-12-02

Birmingham, AL (Legion Field)

ALABAMA

Ranked #2

16

VS

AUBURN

Ranked #9

17

WINNER

Game Summary

The 1972 Iron Bowl is simply known as "Punt Bama Punt." It is perhaps the most famous special teams performance in college football history. #9 Auburn stunned #2 Alabama 17-16 in a game that defies logic. With 10 minutes left in the game, Alabama led 16-0 and seemed to have the game comfortably in hand. Then, the impossible happened. Auburn's Bill Newton blocked an Alabama punt, and David Langner picked it up and ran it in for a touchdown. Trailing 16-7, the Auburn defense forced another punt. Incredibly, Bill Newton broke through and blocked the second punt as well. Once again, David Langner scooped it up and ran it into the end zone. The two blocked punts turned a 16-0 deficit into a 17-16 win.

Decisive Moment

Bill Newton blocking two consecutive punts in the fourth quarter, both returned for touchdowns by David Langner.

Key Players

Bill Newton (Auburn)

David Langner (Auburn)

Gardner Jett (Auburn)

Terry Davis (Alabama)

📜

Historical Deep Dive

The 1972 Iron Bowl is simply known as “Punt Bama Punt.” It is perhaps the most famous special teams performance in college football history. #9 Auburn stunned #2 Alabama 17-16 in a game that defies logic.

The Blocks

With 10 minutes left in the game, Alabama led 16-0 and seemed to have the game comfortably in hand. Then, the impossible happened. Auburn’s Bill Newton blocked an Alabama punt, and David Langner picked it up and ran it in for a touchdown. Trailing 16-7, the Auburn defense forced another punt.

Deja Vu

Incredibly, Bill Newton broke through and blocked the second punt as well. Once again, David Langner scooped it up and ran it into the end zone. The two blocked punts turned a 16-0 deficit into a 17-16 win. David Langner sealed the game with an interception in the final minute. It remains the most cherished victory in Auburn history.