The 1997 Iron Bowl will always be remembered for a single, heartbreaking play for Alabama fans. In a game dominated by defense and tension, #13 Auburn edged Alabama 18-17 at Jordan-Hare Stadium to clinch the SEC West.
The Ed Scissum Fumble
With Alabama leading 17-15 late in the fourth quarter, the Tide had the ball at its own 36. On a critical 3rd-and-8, quarterback Freddie Kitchens threw a screen pass to fullback Ed Scissum. Scissum was hit as he turned upfield and fumbled; Auburn recovered at the Alabama 33. The turnover gave the Tigers new life.
The Kick
Auburn gained 11 yards to set up Jaret Holmes’ 39-yard field goal, which gave the Tigers an 18-17 lead with 15 seconds left. After the ensuing kickoff return and a facemask penalty, Alabama’s 57-yard field goal attempt fell short. The victory clinched the SEC West for Auburn, while Alabama was left to wonder “what if.”