The 2002 Iron Bowl produced one of the most unlikely heroes in the rivalry’s history. With starters Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown banged up, Auburn turned to backup running back Tre Smith. The freshman responded with the game of his life, leading unranked Auburn to a stunning 17-7 upset over #9 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The Upset Formula
Auburn dominated the first half, jumping out to a 17-0 lead that silenced the home crowd. Smith was the workhorse, carrying the ball 25 times for 126 yards. His ability to grind out tough yards kept the powerful Alabama offense off the field. Quarterback Jason Campbell was efficient, throwing two touchdown passes to Robert Johnson.
Defense Stands Tall
On the other side of the ball, Auburn’s defense made the crucial stops. Alabama gained 111 rushing yards but converted only two of 14 third downs and twice turned the ball over on downs in the first half. Santonio Beard scored Alabama’s only touchdown in the third quarter; the Tide crossed midfield three times in the fourth without scoring. This was the second Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa since the final Birmingham meeting in 1998. The 1999 game was in Auburn, and Auburn won both the 2000 and 2002 visits to Tuscaloosa.