DeMeco Ryans

The 2005 Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium is remembered for one statistic: 11 sacks. #11 Auburn's defense relentlessly battered Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle in a 28-18 victory that was effectively decided in the first quarter. Auburn jumped on #8 Alabama immediately. They scored three touchdowns in the first 11 minutes to take a shocking 21-0 lead. Quarterback Brandon Cox was efficient, and the crowd noise was deafening. Alabama, shell-shocked and unable to protect their quarterback, spent the rest of the game trying to climb out of a massive hole. While Alabama's defense eventually settled down and the offense put up some points late, the relentless pressure from Auburn's front seven prevented any credible comeback threat.