Iron Bowl Lore
The legendary moments, famous quotes, and cherished traditions that define the greatest rivalry in college football
Legendary Moments
The Kick Six
Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown as time expired, giving Auburn a stunning 34-28 victory over #1 Alabama.
Punt, Bama, Punt
Auburn blocked two Alabama punts and returned both for touchdowns in the final minutes, stunning the Crimson Tide 17-16.
Cam Newton's Masterpiece
Cam Newton led #1 Auburn past #2 Alabama 28-27 in a thrilling game on the way to a national championship.
Four Overtime Thriller
Alabama survived in four overtimes, winning 24-22 in one of the most dramatic Iron Bowls ever played.
Famous Quotes
"I ain't never been nothing but a winner."
"There goes Davis!"
"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people."
Iron Bowl Traditions
The Third Saturday in November
For decades, the Iron Bowl was traditionally played on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. While scheduling has changed with conference realignment, the late November tradition remains.
The Iron Bowl Trophy
Since 2000, the winner of the Iron Bowl receives the James E. Foy, V-ODK Sportsmanship Trophy, honoring good sportsmanship and rivalry tradition.
Toomers Corner
Auburn's famous tradition of rolling Toomer's Corner with toilet paper after big victories, especially Iron Bowl wins.
Alabama's Victory Cigars
Alabama players have been known to light up victory cigars after Iron Bowl wins, a tradition that adds to the rivalry's intensity.
Did You Know?
The Iron Bowl was played at Legion Field in Birmingham for 71 years before moving to home-and-home format in 1989.
The rivalry was suspended from 1907-1948 due to a disagreement over per diem expenses and officiating.
The term "Iron Bowl" refers to Birmingham's historic role in the steel and iron industry.
The Iron Bowl regularly draws one of the highest TV ratings of any college football game each year.
Multiple Heisman Trophy winners have played in the Iron Bowl, including Cam Newton, Derrick Henry, and Mark Ingram.
The Iron Bowl has decided or heavily influenced multiple national championships and SEC titles.
Most Memorable Games by Era
Modern Era (2000s-Present)
- • 2013 "Kick Six" - Auburn's Chris Davis returns missed FG 109 yards as time expires
- • 2009 Comeback - Alabama rallies from 21-0 down to win 26-21
- • 2014 Shootout - Alabama wins wild 55-44 scoring fest
Classic Era (1970s-1990s)
- • 1972 "Punt Bama Punt" - Auburn blocks two punts for TDs in final minutes
- • 1985 Bo Over the Top - Bo Jackson's iconic leap at goal line