The 2022 Iron Bowl was a farewell tour for one of the greatest quarterbacks in Alabama history. In his final game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Bryce Young turned the rivalry game into a personal highlight reel, leading #7 Alabama to a decisive 49-27 victory over Auburn.
A Duel of Styles
Auburn entered the game rejuvenated under interim head coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams. Playing with nothing to lose, the Tigers brought a gritty, run-heavy attack that gouged Alabama for 318 rushing yards. Robby Ashford and Jarquez Hunter kept Auburn competitive, and the Tigers trailed only 35-14 at halftime—a score that felt closer than it looked due to Auburn’s ability to move the ball on the ground.
Aerial Supremacy
However, Alabama had Bryce Young, and Auburn did not. Young was magnificent, completing 20 of 30 passes for 343 yards and three touchdowns. He also showcased his elusive scrambling ability, adding 48 rushing yards and a touchdown. Whether it was hitting Ja’Corey Brooks for a 32-yard strike or finding Traeshon Holden in the back of the end zone, Young operated with surgical precision.
The Separation
While Auburn’s run game was effective, their passing game was nonexistent (77 total passing yards). This one-dimensional approach proved fatal in the second half. Alabama’s defense tightened, forcing critical stops and capitalizing on turnovers. Meanwhile, the Tide offense kept scoring, with Roydell Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs adding balance on the ground. The 49-27 final score was a fitting send-off for Young, securing his third consecutive Iron Bowl win and capping a 10-2 season.