The 1983 Iron Bowl was the Bo Jackson show. In a game played during a severe thunderstorm at Legion Field that included a tornado warning, #3 Auburn defeated #19 Alabama 23-20 to win the SEC Championship.
A Rushing Masterclass
Jackson was unstoppable. He rushed for 256 yards on 20 carries, an Iron Bowl record. His 69-yard touchdown run, where he seemingly reversed field twice, is legendary. He averaged nearly 13 yards per carry against a stout Alabama defense.
Weathering the Storm
The weather was apocalyptical, with torrential rain and wind. Despite the conditions, both teams played at a high level. Auburn’s defense made key stops late to preserve the win. The victory propelled Auburn to the Sugar Bowl and a #3 national finish, cementing the 1983 team as one of the best in school history.