1981 Iron Bowl

1981-11-28

Birmingham, AL (Legion Field)

ALABAMA

Ranked #4

28

WINNER

VS

AUBURN

0

17

Game Summary

The 1981 Iron Bowl was history in the making. With a 28-17 victory over Auburn, Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant secured his 315th career win, surpassing Amos Alonzo Stagg to become the winningest coach in college football history at the time. The game itself was a tense battle, but Alabama pulled away in the fourth quarter. It was fitting that the record-breaking win came against the arch-rival. The post-game celebration was emotional, with Bryant being carried off the field by his players at Legion Field. The win marked Alabama's ninth consecutive victory over Auburn, a streak of dominance that has never been matched. It was the pinnacle of the Bryant era's later years.

Decisive Moment

Alabama's late touchdown runs secured Bear Bryant's record-breaking 315th victory.

Key Players

Bear Bryant (Alabama) ↗

Linnie Patrick (Alabama)

Walter Lewis (Alabama)

Joe Cribbs (Auburn)

📜

Historical Deep Dive

The 1981 Iron Bowl was history in the making. With a 28-17 victory over Auburn, Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant secured his 315th career win, surpassing Amos Alonzo Stagg to become the winningest coach in college football history at the time.

The Milestone

The game itself was a tense battle, but Alabama pulled away in the fourth quarter. It was fitting that the record-breaking win came against the arch-rival. The post-game celebration was emotional, with Bryant being carried off the field by his players at Legion Field.

The Last Hurrah

The win marked Alabama’s ninth consecutive victory over Auburn, a streak of dominance that has never been matched. It was the pinnacle of the Bryant era’s later years, a moment of supreme triumph before the rivalry began to shift the following season.