Alabama vs Auburn: The 5 Best Games in Iron Bowl Histoy (Updated)

This past week I released what I thought to be the top 20 Iron Bowls of all time. For the most part the readers agreed with my list. However, there were a few messages that made valid points, promoting one game over another. 

I decided to go back and research the mentioned games further. As a result, I have released a new top 5 list and the other remained the same. 

I hope you enjoy the list.

The 1984 Iron Bowl—NO BO NO!

For all the great things that Bo Jackson did in his career while at Auburn, there was one bad memory that still sits with Tiger fans.

The play happened late in the fourth with Auburn trailing by two. Pat Dye called a Brent Fullwood run on 4th-and-1. If Auburn scored on the play, they would win their second straight SEC championship. Instead, Bo ran the wrong way to block and Fullwood was brought down short and Auburn lost the game.

Jackson's good moments far outweigh his bad. But that one was bad.

No. 4: The 1967 Iron Bowl—the Run

Before there was ever the 2011 LSU-Alabama “game of the century” that yielded zero touchdowns, there was the defensive battle in the 1967 Iron Bowl.

There was only one touchdown in the game, but it was one that Bama fans will never forget. Alabama QB Kenny Stabler ran for a 47-yard touchdown to lead Alabama over Auburn 7-3.

There was 11 minutes left in the game at the time of Stabler’s run, but it demoralized the Auburn team who could never recover. 

No.3: 2010 Iron Bowl—Cam Newton Laughs Last

There are so many things that make this game great. First, it led to Auburn winning a national championship. Second, it ended the Tide's winning streak at home. Third, it was Cam Newton's Heisman game. Four, Auburn embarrassed the Alabama defense and beat Saban in a way that no one thought possible.

Alabama jumped up 24-0 and were absolutely dominating the Tigers. However, Auburn became the stingy defense, only allowing Alabama three more points. Cam became an icon. 

The final result was Newton and the Tigers making the Tide quit, and Cam and company got the last laugh, 28-27.

No.2 : The 1972 Iron Bowl—Punt Bama Punt

Headed into the 1972 Iron Bowl, Alabama was 10-0 and had the inside track to the national championship.  One of the few remaining hurdles was against an undermanned Auburn team who were major underdogs.

The script was going just as planned. At the end of three quarters, Alabama was leading the Tigers 16-0. At that time, not many were worried about a blocked extra point earlier in the game. However, that point would become the difference in the game.

With just over five minutes to go in the game, the Tigers were trailing 16-3 but blocked an Alabama punt and David Langner ran it back for a touchdown. With just over a minute left, Auburn would block another punt that was again returned for a touchdown.

The Tigers went on to win the game 17-16 without scoring an offensive touchdown. 

No.1: The 1985 Iron Bowl—the Kick Heard Around the World

Field goal kickers are the least known player on the team until they are needed. Such was the case with Van Tiffin of the Crimson Tide.

He made several great plays in his career, but none were as memorable as his 52-yard kick to defeat the Tigers in the 1985 Iron Bowl 25-23.

Mike Shula had just mastered a terrific drive to set up the field goal opportunity with six seconds remaining. Tiffin and company ran on the field like the clock was moving and rushed a kick—one that he kicked perfectly.