The wildest Iron Bowl endings of all time

The annual meeting between Alabama and Auburn known as The Iron Bowl has become legendary for the intensity of the rivalry between the two fanbases and for regularly providing audiences with some of the most dramatic endings the sport has ever seen.

We’ve compiled our list of the five wildest endings in Iron Bowl history and they are all unforgettable moments not only for fans of Alabama and Auburn, but for anyone who loves the spectacle and excitement of college football.

No. 5: Championship Drive, 2009

After trailing for most of the game, Alabama’s hopes for a national championship were on the ropes in Jordan-Hare Stadium with just minutes remaining. Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy drove the team down the field and score to take the lead with a touchdown pass to running back Roy Upchurch. Alabama would hang on for the win against Auburn and go on to win its first national championship in 17 years.

No. 4: Overtime Thriller, 2021

An over-matched but gutsy Auburn team managed to hold the Crimson Tide without a touchdown for nearly the entire game but with his back against the wall, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young engineered a heroic drive to tie the game and send it to overtime. Alabama would go on to win the game in triple-overtime, the first overtime game in Iron Bowl history, and Bryce Young would win the Heisman Trophy just a few weeks later.

No. 3: “The Cam-back”, 2010

Auburn’s undefeated season seemed to be in jeopardy in Tuscaloosa but in the second half, Cam Newton did what he did best: he took over the game. A spectacular effort by Newton led the Tigers to an amazing comeback victory and kept their hopes alive for a national championship, which the Tigers eventually won that season.

No. 2: “Grave Digger”, 2023

Alabama was down-and-out in Jordan-Hare Stadium, trailing the Tigers with just seconds remaining in the 4th quarter when a fumbled punt return gave the Crimson Tide one last chance. Bama quarterback Jalen Milroe made the most of the opportunity with a 31-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond on a play that the Alabama coaches and players called “Grave Digger”.

No. 1: “The Kick Six”, 2013

In what has gone down as one of the most surprising finishes to any game in college football history, Alabama’s attempted field goal in the final seconds of the 2013 Iron Bowl came up short. Rather than hit the ground, however, the ball was caught by Auburn player Chris Davis who had the awareness and foresight to return the ball 100 yards for a game-winning touchdown. Fans and players on both sides were totally shocked by the incredible play and Auburn fans stormed the field. One week later, Auburn would win the SEC Championship and earn a spot in the national championship game.

Who do you think will come out on top in this year’s Iron Bowl? Tag us on social media and let us know!