Great Moments in Iron Bowl History: The Auburn Edition

This article is the second of an eight-part series about the Iron Bowl. For the next week, there will be a new article each day covering one of the best rivalries in all of college football.

With any rivalry, both sides have great moments that live on forever in the hearts of fans. The Iron Bowl is no exception, giving college football fans across the country something to hold onto. Here are a few great games from the Auburn perspective:

Feb. 22, 1893: Auburn's first win

Auburn won the first edition of the Iron Bowl, 32-22. This game was played in Lakeview Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Not many saw the beginning of what would become one of the best rivalries in all of college football. 

1949: Auburn's first win after the rivalry was resumed

After the layoff between these two rivals, Auburn upset the Tide 14-13. Alabama had beaten Auburn the year before, 55-0, and were assumed to defeat the Tigers easily during the 1949 season.

1954-1958: Shug's streak over the Tide

After posting an 0-10 season in 1950, Auburn hired Ralph "Shug" Jordan as the head football coach. During the '54-'58 seasons, Auburn defeated the Crimson Tide. Shug Jordan also won Auburn's first and only national championship in 1957.

Dec. 2, 1972: "Punt, Bama, Punt"

One of the most talked about Iron Bowls for Auburn fans is the legendary "Punt, Bama, Punt." Down 16-0 in the 4th quarter to the second ranked Tide, Auburn finally got within field goal range. Coach Shug Jordan called Gardener Jett to kick the field goal.  Jett made the field goal making it 16-3.

The following 'Bama drive stalled, and had to punt the ball away. Auburn's Bill Newton blocked the punt, which was retrieved by teammate David Langner. Langner ran the ball 25 yards for the Auburn touchdown. After the PAT, the score became 17-10.

Alabama soon stalled again, and attempted to punt it away. As before, Newton blocked the punt, and Langner carried the ball 20 yards for another touchdown. Jett kicked the winning point, and Auburn came away with a 17-16 victory.

1982: "Bo Over The Top"

At this point, Alabama had reeled off nine straight victories over the Tigers. Auburn, in the fourth quarter with two minutes remaining, started at their own 34 yard line, trailing 22-16. The Tigers drove down the field, and was one yard away from the winning touchdown.

Auburn lined up, pushed the Tide defense just enough to have a young man by the name of Bo Jackson leap over the pile of white and crimson for the winning score. Auburn would convert the PAT and go on to win the game, 23-22. This ended Alabama's dominance over Auburn, and started what would be come the glory years for Coach Pat Dye.

Dec. 2, 1989: The Iron Bowl comes to Jordan-Hare

Before this date, Alabama and Auburn never played at Auburn. For the longest time, Alabama refused to play at Jordan-Hare Stadium. That came to an end as the No. 2 Tide rolled into Auburn, Alabama. Auburn won the game 30-20. This win allowed Auburn to win its third consecutive SEC title. It has been said that this game generated the most noise from the crowd in Auburn's history. 

Nov. 22, 1997: Auburn 18, Alabama 17

This one may not have much significance in the rivalry itself, but it earns a spot in this list cause it is my most memorable Auburn football game that I ever attended. For a detailed account of the game, read my article.

2002-2007: The Streak

Auburn in 2002 was considered an afterthought as the No. 9-ranked Crimson Tide was expected to take care of the Tigers. Auburn surprised everyone by upsetting the Tide 17-7. From then on, Auburn continued its dominance over the Crimson Tide and reaching a new school record of six straight wins over its most hated rival.

No matter what happens next Saturday, it is sure to be history making. Here's hoping from this Auburn writer and fan that the streak continues to lucky No. 7.

I also encourage Auburn and Alabama fans alike to write about their most cherished moments, past or present, about the fiercest rivalry in all of college football.

WAR EAGLE!