1989 Iron Bowl

1989-12-02

Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL

ALABAMA

Ranked #2

20

VS

AUBURN

Ranked #11

30

WINNER

Game Summary

The 1989 Iron Bowl was more than a game; it was a cultural shift. For the first time in the rivalry's history, the game was played at Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium. The emotional energy propelled #11 Auburn to a 30-20 victory over #2 undefeated Alabama. The atmosphere was unlike anything Alabama had faced. Auburn trailed 10-7 at halftime but fed off the crowd's energy in the second half. They scored on four consecutive possessions to take a commanding 27-10 lead. Quarterback Reggie Slack and running back Stacy Danley led the way, but the MVP was the crowd. Alabama battled back but couldn't overcome the deficit or the environment. The win secured a share of the SEC title for Auburn. More importantly, it shattered the tradition of playing the Iron Bowl solely at Legion Field, changing the dynamics of the rivalry forever.

Decisive Moment

Auburn's four consecutive scoring drives in the second half, fueled by the first-ever Jordan-Hare Iron Bowl crowd.

Key Players

Reggie Slack (Auburn)

Stacy Danley (Auburn)

Win Lyle (Auburn)

Gary Hollingsworth (Alabama)

📜

Historical Deep Dive

The 1989 Iron Bowl was more than a game; it was a cultural shift. For the first time in the rivalry’s history, the game was played at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. The emotional energy propelled #11 Auburn to a 30-20 victory over #2 undefeated Alabama.

A Wall of Sound

The atmosphere was unlike anything Alabama had faced. Auburn trailed 10-7 at halftime but fed off the crowd’s energy in the second half. They scored on four consecutive possessions to take a commanding 27-10 lead. Quarterback Reggie Slack and running back Stacy Danley led the way, but the MVP was the crowd.

A New Era

Alabama battled back but couldn’t overcome the deficit or the environment. The win secured a share of the SEC title for Auburn. More importantly, it shattered the tradition of playing the Iron Bowl solely at Legion Field, changing the dynamics of the rivalry forever. It is widely considered the loudest game in Auburn history.