The 2024 Iron Bowl marked the beginning of a new chapter in the historic rivalry. For the first time since 2006, Nick Saban was not roaming the Alabama sideline. Enter Kalen DeBoer, facing the immense pressure of continuing Alabama’s dominance in a rivalry that defines the state. With a 28-14 victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium, DeBoer passed his first test with flying colors.
Milroe’s dominance
While the coaching face had changed, the on-field catalyst remained familiar: Jalen Milroe. The Alabama quarterback put the team on his back, accounting for nearly all of the Tide’s offense. His three rushing touchdowns were the difference in the game. He scored from 19 yards in the first quarter, from a yard out in the second, and from 17 yards in the third. Auburn’s only first-half answer was a pair of Ian Vachon field goals, leaving Alabama ahead 14-6 at the break; Justice Haynes then ran in a two-yard touchdown to make it 21-6 before Milroe’s third score stretched it to 28-6 and effectively ended the contest. Auburn’s lone touchdown came late, a Payton Thorne pass to Cam Coleman.
Defensive Stranglehold
Auburn, led by quarterback Payton Thorne, moved the ball effectively at times, racking up 301 passing yards. However, Alabama’s defense adopted a “bend but don’t break” mentality. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell was everywhere, recording key tackles and disrupting Auburn’s rhythm in the red zone. The Tide forced turnovers when it mattered most, including a game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter.
What the win did — and did not do
The result kept Alabama in the at-large playoff discussion, but it did not secure a berth. When the first 12-team field was announced, the selection committee ranked Alabama eleventh but selected tenth-ranked SMU for the final at-large place. The Iron Bowl win instead closed DeBoer’s debut regular season at 9-3 and extended Alabama’s series winning streak to five games.