AJ McCarron

The 2011 Iron Bowl was a statement game for an Alabama team seeking vengeance and a shot at the national title. After blowing a 24-0 lead the previous year in the "Camback," Alabama returned to Jordan-Hare Stadium and left no doubt, crushing Auburn 42-14. Running back Trent Richardson put on a clinic, rushing for a career-high 203 yards on 27 carries. He was a bowling ball of knives, breaking tackles and dragging defenders at will. His performance controlled the clock and demoralized the Auburn defense. Quarterback AJ McCarron was surgical, throwing three touchdown passes to balance the attack. Auburn's offense, devoid of Cam Newton, had no answers. They managed just 140 total yards against one of the greatest defenses in college football history.

The 2012 Iron Bowl was a mercifully short execution. En route to their second consecutive national championship, #2 Alabama completely dismantled a reeling Auburn team 49-0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. It was the first shutout in the rivalry since 2008 and highlighted two programs moving in opposite directions. The stats were staggering. Alabama outgained Auburn 483 to 163. AJ McCarron threw four touchdown passes in an efficient, effortless performance before resting for the starters. Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon ran through gaping holes in the Auburn defense. By halftime, it was 42-0. For Auburn, the 49-point loss was the final nail in the coffin for head coach Gene Chizik, who was fired the following day just two years after winning a national title.

The 2013 Iron Bowl, immortalized as the "Kick Six," stands as arguably the greatest ending in college football history. With #1 Alabama and #4 Auburn tied 28-28 and one second remaining on the clock, Alabama head coach Nick Saban successfully argued for a final play to attempt a game-winning 57-yard field goal. Freshman kicker Adam Griffith's kick fell short in end zone, where Auburn cornerback Chris Davis was waiting. Davis fielded the ball nine yards deep in the end zone and began a return that would echo through history. With key blocks from his teammates, Davis navigated down the left sideline, untouched for a stunning 109-yard touchdown as time expired. The play unleashed pandemonium in Jordan-Hare Stadium, sending thousands of fans rushing onto the field and dashing Alabama's hopes for a third consecutive national championship. The victory vaulted Auburn to the SEC Championship Game and eventually the BCS National Championship. Beyond the final play, the game was a heavyweight fight featuring Nick Marshall's clutch passing (including a game-tying TD to Sammie Coates) and Alabama's powerful offense. But history only remembers "There goes Davis!"