2010 Iron Bowl

2010-11-26

Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

ALABAMA

Ranked #2

28

VS

AUBURN

Ranked #1

27

WINNER

Attendance: 101,821

Game Summary

The 2010 Iron Bowl, known as "The Camback," showcased the sheer dominance and will of Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. #2 Auburn arrived in Tuscaloosa facing a hostile crowd and a ferocious start from the defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama jumped out to a commanding 24-0 lead in the second quarter, seemingly burying Auburn's title hopes. The Tide offense, led by Greg McElroy and Mark Ingram, executed perfectly, while the defense stifled Newton. However, a late touchdown pass from Newton to Emory Blake before halftime cut the deficit to 24-7, providing a glimmer of hope. In the second half, Newton took over. He threw a 70-yard touchdown to Terrell Zachery on the third play of the third quarter, signaling that the game was far from over. Auburn's defense tightened, shutting down Alabama's offense, while Newton accounted for four total touchdowns. The defining drive came in the fourth quarter when Newton connected with Philip Lutzenkirchen for the go-ahead score, giving Auburn a 28-27 lead. The Tigers hold on to complete the largest comeback in Auburn history, preserving their perfect season and marching onward to win the BCS National Championship.

Decisive Moment

Cam Newton's 7-yard touchdown pass to Philip Lutzenkirchen in the fourth quarter completed the 24-point comeback.

Key Players

Cam Newton (Auburn) ↗

Nick Fairley (Auburn) ↗

Mark Ingram (Alabama) ↗

Julio Jones (Alabama) ↗

📜

Historical Deep Dive

The 2010 Iron Bowl is the singular game that won Cam Newton the Heisman Trophy. Trailing 24-0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium to a furious Alabama team, Auburn’s perfect season seemed dead. What followed was the greatest comeback in Auburn and Iron Bowl history.

The 24-0 Hole

Alabama played a perfect first 20 minutes. Greg McElroy and Mark Ingram carved up the Auburn defense, and the crowd in Tuscaloosa smelled blood. Auburn looked shell-shocked. A late touchdown pass from Newton to Emory Blake before halftime made it 24-7, a small lifeline that would prove crucial.

The Newton Takeover

In the second half, Cam Newton was a one-man wrecking crew. He threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another. On the third play of the third quarter, he hit Terrell Zachery for a 70-yard touchdown that changed the atmosphere in the stadium. The defense tightened, and Newton’s 7-yard pass to Philip Lutzenkirchen in the fourth quarter gave Auburn a 28-27 lead.

The Stand

Alabama threatened late, but the Auburn defense forced a fumble by Mark Ingram as he was driving for the winning score. The ball rolled through the end zone for a touchback, preserving the miracle. Auburn held on to win 28-27, keeping their undefeated season alive and marching on to the BCS National Championship. To this day, “24-0” serves as a rallying cry for the Auburn faithful.