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, they were driving to run out the clock. On a critical 3rd-and-8, quarterback Freddie Kitchens threw a screen pass to fullback Ed Scissum. Scissum fought for the first down but fumbled the ball, and Auburn recovered. The turnover gave the Tigers new life.
The Kick
Auburn drove down the field, and kicker Jaret Holmes nailed a 39-yard field goal to give Auburn an 18-17 lead. Alabama had one final desperation drive, but a long 57-yard field goal attempt fell short. The victory was a signature win for Terry Bowden and kept Auburn’s SEC Championship hopes alive, while Alabama was left to wonder “what if.”