No. 13 Alabama Football 28, Auburn 14

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Despite the adversity of recent days and points in Kalen DeBoer’s first season at the helm, the No. 13 Alabama football team secured a winning record in SEC play and an undefeated home record with a 28-14 victory over Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

It was by no means a perfect performance, and the Crimson Tide (9-3, 5-3 SEC) remain out of contention for the College Football Playoff after being eliminated from the SEC title race. However, some things aren’t necessarily top of mind when it comes to rivalry week. In the case of the Iron Bowl, conventional wisdom holds that players on both teams have an intrinsic motivation that can only be satisfied by defeating their arch-rival.

Quarterback Jalen Milroe played well with three rushing touchdowns, and running back Justice Haynes added one of his own. Fellow running back Jam Miller recorded a career-high 28 runs and subsequently stated that he understood the importance of the rivalry during his three years in college; Miller, like everyone who has played on an Alabama team since the 2020 season, has never lost to Auburn in his career.

Alabama continued to be plagued by turnovers. The team had four on the day: three fumbles and an interception by Milroe. Auburn struggled to capitalize and began turning the ball over itself late in the game. Although they had chances to get back into the game (after trailing 28-6 in the third quarter), the Tigers (5-7, 2-6 SEC) couldn’t get it done.

A large part of this is due to the performance of the Crimson Tide defense, which once again had a strong showing. Defensive back Bray Hubbard recorded another interception, continuing a great run of form that began when he took over the role vacated by Keon Sabb after his injury in October. He intercepted star Auburn tailback Jarquez Hunter; Freshman cornerback Zabien Brown picked up quarterback Payton Thorne.

Participation in the first 12-team round of the College Football Playoff is far from a given for this Alabama team. To maintain that dream, the Crimson Tide had to win their fifth straight Iron Bowl. Regardless of where the next step of the season lies, whether on the field or not, Alabama bounced back strongly from a tough loss to Oklahoma in the 2024 edition

Watch the video above as BamaCentral writers Joe Gaither, Will Miller and Katie Windham share their final thoughts and takeaways following the Crimson Tide’s fifth straight Iron Bowl victory.

No. 13 Alabama beats Auburn, 28-14, in Kalen DeBoer’s first Iron Bowl