1979 Iron Bowl

1979-12-01

Birmingham, AL (Legion Field)

ALABAMA

Ranked #2

25

WINNER

VS

AUBURN

0

18

Game Summary

Alabama preserved its undefeated regular season with a 25-18 Iron Bowl win over Auburn at Legion Field. The Tigers pushed the Crimson Tide harder than the rankings suggested, but Bear Bryant's team found enough offense and late defensive composure to keep its national championship run intact.

Decisive Moment

Alabama protected a one-score lead late, closing out an unbeaten regular season.

Key Players

Steadman Shealy (Alabama)

Major Ogilvie (Alabama)

Joe Cribbs (Auburn)

James Brooks (Auburn)

📜

Historical Deep Dive

The 1979 Iron Bowl was a high-stakes battle between #1 Alabama (10-0) and #14 Auburn. Alabama needed a win to stay on track for a national championship, but Auburn, led by the potent backfield of Joe Cribbs and James Brooks, proved to be a formidable obstacle.

The Defining Drive

Alabama’s wishbone offense, orchestrated by quarterback Steadman Shealy, had its defining moment in the fourth quarter. With the game tight, Shealy led an 82-yard touchdown drive that chewed up the clock and the Auburn defense. Shealy capped the drive with a touchdown run and a two-point conversion to secure a 25-18 victory.

A Perfect Season

The win propelled Alabama to the Sugar Bowl, where they defeated Arkansas to claim the undisputed national championship. The 1979 team is widely regarded as one of Bear Bryant’s finest, finishing 12-0. The defense, which allowed only 5.6 points per game all season, made crucial stops against Auburn’s dangerous running game.