Auburn vs. Alabama: Tale of Two Halves and a Champion's Heart

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer)

The game that played out at Bryant Denny Stadium was certainly a tale of two halves that had an ending that showed a champion's heart in a 28-27 comeback win.

In the first half, Alabama simply embarrassed Auburn, scoring at will and limiting the Tigers to no offense to speak of.

Greg McElroy was having the game of his life, Mark Ingram looked like the Heisman winner once again and Julio Jones was showing why he is considered one of the top receivers in the nation.

Two of of those three would end the game battered and bruised and on the bench.

Auburn took a page from Nick Saban's book and did what Alabama did, finish.

The Tigers outplayed Alabama in the second half and came back to not only claim the lead, but skillfully run the clock and then deny Alabama any chance of a comeback with only a minute to play.

Finish is the mantra that Nick Saban has been pressing on the team all season. Finish drives, which they didn't and finish the game strong, which again they didn't.

Just like last year when Alabama had so much on the line in playing for a national championship, Auburn this year turned the tables to come from behind by playing with heart—the heart of a champion.

With two games yet remaining, Auburn still has hurdles to overcome in claiming that championship, but today, they showed they had heart and will continue to do so.

With this game over and once the disappointment subsides, Alabama fans can debate with themselves over pulling for Auburn in a national championship game, but most will.

What a difference a year in the SEC makes. But as long as the SEC continues to dominate the national landscape, even Alabama fans can take this loss a little easier.