No. 13 Alabama closes regular season with strong win over Auburn

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 13 Alabama closed the regular season by getting back in the win column, winning the Iron Bowl over in-state rival Auburn by a final score of 28-14. The win gives Alabama a 9-3 record, improving to a 5-3 mark in SEC play.

It was Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer‘s first Iron Bowl, and he got the full experience. Emotions were high from the opening kickoff with plenty of jawing back and forth between the two sides. Alabama safety Malachi Moore was particularly into the back-and-forth gamesmanship, laying some hugs hits and talking plenty afterwards.

Alabama didn’t have the prettiest first half from an offensive standpoint, sitting at minus-3 in the turnover margin at the halftime break. Still, the Tide held at 14-6 lead at halftime thanks to some excellent red zone defense.

Auburn entered Alabama’s red zone four times in the first half and was only able to amount six points, missing a field goal once, turning it over on downs once, and being stuffed on 3rd-and-goal from the 2-yard-line just before half.

Once the second half came, the Alabama offense started clicking. The Crimson Tide scored on its first two possessions in the second half with surgical execution, as quarterback Jalen Milroe was precise in he short passing game and continually beat Auburn with his legs.

By the end of the game, Milroe totaled three touchdowns on the ground while throwing for over 250 yards and rushing for over 100, a great bounce-back statistically from last week’s loss to Oklahoma and a strong way to close out the regular season. Wide receiver Germie Bernard was Milroe’s top target all game, and went for over 100 yards for the first time all season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Quarter

Alabama 7, Auburn 0 (3:18)

After Alabama’s first few drives stalled, the Tide took a relatively short field off an Auburn 3-and-out 52 yards in five plays for the first touchdown of the game. Jalen Milroe scored it on a 19-yard designed quarterback run where he cut back and showed his speed to get the corner on the right sideline. It was Alabama’s first touchdown since the Mercer game on Nov. 16.

Second Quarter

Alabama 7, Auburn 3 (8:27)

Alabama drove into Auburn territory, but a Milroe interception gave the ball back to the Tigers without being able to add to the lead. Auburn then took the drive into the red zone for the third time, and finally got some points after hitting a 37-yard field goal. The drive went nine plays and for 72 yards.

Alabama 14, Auburn 3 (2:44)

Off the Auburn field goal, Alabama put together a nice 12 play, 75-yard drive to extend its lead as halftime approached. The Tide punched it in with a Milroe quarterback sneak from the 1-yard-line, his second rushing touchdown of the game.

Alabama 14, Auburn 6 (0:27)

On Alabama’s ensuing possession, Jalen Milroe fumbled on a strip sack, setting Auburn up with excellent field position. The Tigers drove all they way down to the 2-yard-line, but the Alabama defense again held in the red zone, making Auburn have to settle for a field goal right before half.

Third Quarter

Alabama 21, Auburn 6 (11:31)

Alabama opened the second half with a surgical 9-play, 75-yard drive to extend its lead. The drive featured a few nice play designs, including a fake toss throwback screen to tight end CJ Dippre. Running back Justice Haynes punched the 2-yard score in to cap off the drive.

Alabama 28, Auburn 6 (6:54)

Alabama put together another really nice drive on its second possession of the second half, cruising for 60 yards in six plays. Jalen Milroe scored his third touchdown of the game on a 17-yard run, pushing the Alabama lead once again.

Alabama 28, Auburn 14 (2:31)

Auburn’s next possession featured a notable fight after a play between Auburn’s sideline and Alabama defensive back DeVonta Smith. Following the penalty, the Tigers drove the ball down and scored a touchdown with a deep completion from Payton Thorne to Cam Coleman to cut into the lead, and got the 2-point try to go with it.

Fourth Quarter

WHAT’S NEXT

Alabama now awaits its fate from the College Football Playoff selection committee, still having a very slim chance to make the 12-team playoff. If the Crimson Tide doesn’t make the playoff, it awaits it’s bowl invitation.

The CFP selection show will start at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.