Jalen Hurts

The 2016 Iron Bowl was a defensive masterclass by the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. In a 30-12 victory over #13 Auburn, the Alabama defense did not allow a single touchdown, forcing the Tigers to settle for four field goals despite several incursions into Alabama territory. On offense, true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts overcame two early interceptions to control the game. While not statistically explosive through the air (286 yards), Hurts accounted for three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) and effectively managed the game in the second half. He found targets like ArDarius Stewart (10 catches, 127 yards) to move the chains consistently. The story, however, was the Alabama defense holding Auburn's high-octane offense to just 182 total yards—total. Auburn rushed for only 66 yards, rendering their game plan completely ineffective.

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. 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. Defensively, Auburn 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.