The 2017 Iron Bowl was the climax of Auburn’s late-season resurgence. Facing #1 Alabama with the SEC West title on the line, the #6 Tigers delivered their most complete performance of the Gus Malzahn era, dominating the Crimson Tide 26-14 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Kerryon My Wayward Son
The hero for Auburn was running back Kerryon Johnson. Despite battling injuries, Johnson was a workhorse, carrying the ball 30 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a touchdown pass on a trick play jump-pass to Nate Craig-Myers that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
Stifling Defense
While the offense provided the points, the Auburn defense won the game. Led by Jeff Holland and a fierce pass rush, Auburn hounded Jalen Hurts all night, limiting the dangerous dual-threat quarterback to just 112 passing yards. Alabama converted only 3 of 11 third downs. The signature moment came when Auburn forced two bad snaps from Alabama’s center, stalling drives and killing the Tide’s momentum. The win vaulted Auburn into the SEC Championship Game, though Alabama would ultimately have the last laugh by making the playoff and winning the national title.