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1973 Iron Bowl

1973-12-01
Birmingham, AL (Legion Field)
ALABAMA
Ranked #1
35
WINNER
VS
AUBURN
0
0

Game Summary

The 1973 Iron Bowl was a statement game for Bear Bryant's Alabama. In a contest that was never close, #1 Alabama demolished Auburn 35-0 at Legion Field. Alabama's wishbone offense was unstoppable, grinding out yardage and controlling the clock. Quarterback Gary Rutledge and running back Wilbur Jackson ran through gaping holes in the Auburn defense. The 35-0 score was a shock to many who expected a competitive game. The shutout signaled the beginning of a dominant era for Alabama in the rivalry. It was the first of nine consecutive wins for the Tide over the Tigers.

Series Snapshot

#38
Meeting of 90
20-17-1
Series after game
2-2-0
Record in the 1970s through this game
#8
Widest-margin rank

Before this meeting, the archive record stood at Alabama 19, Auburn 17, with 1 tie. The 1973 result moved it to Alabama 20, Auburn 17, with 1 tie.

This was the 4th listed Iron Bowl of the 1970s. Through this game, Alabama had 2 wins, Auburn had 2, and the decade included 0 ties.

The teams combined for 35 points, ranking #51 in total scoring among the 90 meetings in the current archive, with 4 games sharing that total. The 35-point margin ranks #8 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 1972 and the next was 1974.

Decisive Moment

Alabama's dominance on both lines of scrimmage resulting in a 35-0 shutout.

Key Players

Gary Rutledge (Alabama)
Wilbur Jackson (Alabama)
Robin Cary (Alabama)
David Langner (Auburn)
📜

Historical Deep Dive

The 1973 Iron Bowl was a statement game for Bear Bryant’s Alabama. In a contest that was never close, #1 Alabama demolished Auburn 35-0 at Legion Field.

Wishbone Perfection

Alabama’s wishbone offense was unstoppable, grinding out yardage and controlling the clock. Quarterback Gary Rutledge and running back Wilbur Jackson ran through gaping holes in the Auburn defense. The 35-0 score was a shock to many who expected a competitive game.

Defensive Dominance

The shutout signaled the beginning of a dominant era for Alabama in the rivalry. It was the first of nine consecutive wins for the Tide over the Tigers. Alabama finished the regular season 11-0 and claimed the national title from the UPI (Coaches) poll before even playing in the Sugar Bowl, a common practice at the time.

← Previous Game
1972
Alabama 16 - Auburn 17
Next Game →
1974
Alabama 17 - Auburn 13
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.