The 1985 Iron Bowl is widely considered the greatest game in the history of the rivalry. In a contest that featured four lead changes in the fourth quarter alone, Alabama defeated Auburn 25-23 on a 52-yard field goal by Van Tiffin as time expired.
The Fourth Quarter Frenzy
The final period was breathless. Auburn took a 23-22 lead with 57 seconds left on a Reggie Ware touchdown run. It seemed like Bo Jackson (who rushed for 142 yards) had done enough to win. But Alabama quarterback Mike Shula engineered a masterful two-minute drill, moving the Tide into field goal range.
The Leg of Legend
With three seconds on the clock, Van Tiffin lined up for a 52-yard attempt. The kick was perfect, clearing the crossbar with room to spare. Legion Field exploded. The image of Alabama players celebrating while Auburn players collapsed in disbelief remains the defining visual of the 1980s Iron Bowls.