A Look Back At Iron Bowl 2009: A Game (and Rivalry) To Savor

"As you looked in the huddle, from a quarterback's perspective, I'm always looking and everyone is looking at me, there was no sense of worry, no sense of panic..."

You could almost feel it. None of the little things seemed to be going Alabama's way.

We didn't rotate on the first reverse of the game. No one saw the surprise onside kick coming. We played right in to the double-pass to Darvin Adams and the QB sneak by Chris Todd to fall behind 14-0.  Leigh Tiffin missed his first field goal since Oct. 17.  We couldn't convert a 4th-and-1 with one of the best running backs in country on the carry.  Mark Barron fell for the fake out-route for the first time all season to fall behind (again) in the second half 21-14.  And Ingram leads Jones a just a little too far on a perfect toss sweep-pass call by McElwain. 

On our next-to-last drive, we have to start at the front of our end zone after near-perfect punt placement, and end up having to punt out of the back of our end zone three plays later, after two consecutive false start penalties.

I was fortunate enough to go down to Auburn.  Our friends call it the "Lovliest Village on the Plains."  It sure was lovely on Friday: The weather was perfect, and the atmosphere was unmistakable. 

For one day out of the year, crimson, white, orange, and blue converge together to experience one of the greatest rivalries in the country.

But for 49 minutes and 23 seconds in the game, I felt a little funny.  It could have been the fact that I was surrounded by 80,000-plus Auburn fans who were literally beside themselves, thinking they were about to witness the biggest upset in the history of Auburn football.  More likely, it was the fact that I was witnessing my Tide playing so uncharacteristically, and the little things seemed to be going the Tiger's way.

But then, something changed.

It was like someone turned on the switch inside each Numbered Helmet, conveying the idea that, despite what happened up till now, this game can still be won.

After the punt, Auburn opens their next-to-last series in Alabama territory with 10:37 left to play in the game and leading by a point.  They could've gone for the jugular by going deep, but they stay conservative on first down by giving it to Ben Tate, who gets stuffed after gaining a yard.

And the change begins:

Kareem Jackson blows by Kodi Burns to take down Ben Tate for a 7-yard loss on second down.

Rolando McClain blows by Eric Smith to sack Chris Todd for a 10-yard loss on third down, and Auburn is forced to punt after losing 16 yards on three plays.

The momentum shift began on defense.

I know it wouldn't have made a difference on the outcome, but I said many a silent prayer during The Drive.

Looking back on it now, prayers aren't needed whenever a team tries to guard Jones 1-on-1.

After watching the replay, I realized divine intervention isn't necessary when you have a backup running back the caliber of Trent Richardson.

Greg McElroy is on a mission; a destination.  He never quit using his God-given ability to believe in himself and his teammates.

The pieces were in place, and the opportunity was his for the taking.

"We were able to take care of business, and everyone knew we were going to. Everyone knew we could if we just executed." - Greg McElroy

The Drive

8:27 remaining in the fourth quarter

15 plays

79 yards

3rd-and-3

3rd-and-5

3rd-and-3

Five 1st downs

Six plays to Trent Richardson

Four plays to Julio Jones

Two plays to Mark Ingram

One play to Roy Upchurch

40 victories over Auburn

"It's one of the greatest drives I've ever been associated with." - Coach Saban