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1974 Iron Bowl

1974-11-29
Birmingham, AL (Legion Field)
ALABAMA
Ranked #2
17
WINNER
VS
AUBURN
Ranked #7
13

Game Summary

The 1974 Iron Bowl was a gritty, defensive battle where points were at a premium. #2 Alabama narrowly defeated #7 Auburn 17-13 at Legion Field, securing another SEC Championship. The game is remembered for its controversial ending. Auburn appeared to score a go-ahead touchdown on a pass from quarterback Phil Gargis, but it was nullified by an illegal touching penalty. Alabama's defense held firm on the subsequent plays to preserve the win. Special teams played a huge role. Alabama's Leroy Cook blocked a field goal attempt just before halftime, which proved to be the difference in a four-point game.

Series Snapshot

#39
Meeting of 90
21-17-1
Series after game
3-2-0
Record in the 1970s through this game
#71
Widest-margin rank

Before this meeting, the archive record stood at Alabama 20, Auburn 17, with 1 tie. The 1974 result moved it to Alabama 21, Auburn 17, with 1 tie.

This was the 5th listed Iron Bowl of the 1970s. Through this game, Alabama had 3 wins, Auburn had 2, and the decade included 0 ties.

The teams combined for 30 points, ranking #64 in total scoring among the 90 meetings in the current archive, with 2 games sharing that total. The 4-point margin ranks #71 by size, shared by 4 games.

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 1973 and the next was 1975.

Decisive Moment

Leroy Cook's blocked field goal and the nullified Auburn touchdown late in the game.

Key Players

Leroy Cook (Alabama)
Phil Gargis (Auburn)
Willie Shelby (Alabama)
Mike Washington (Alabama)
📜

Historical Deep Dive

The 1974 Iron Bowl was a gritty, defensive battle where points were at a premium. #2 Alabama narrowly defeated #7 Auburn 17-13 at Legion Field, securing another SEC Championship.

Controversial Finish

The game is remembered for its controversial ending. Auburn appeared to score a go-ahead touchdown on a pass from quarterback Phil Gargis, but it was nullified by an illegal touching penalty. Alabama’s defense held firm on the subsequent plays to preserve the win.

Special Teams Difference

Special teams played a huge role. Alabama’s Leroy Cook blocked a field goal attempt just before halftime, which proved to be the difference in a four-point game. The win capped an 11-1 regular season for Alabama and sent them to the Orange Bowl.

← Previous Game
1973
Alabama 35 - Auburn 0
Next Game →
1975
Alabama 28 - Auburn 0
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.