The 87th Iron Bowl wasn’t Alabama’s best performance, but the game was never in question as Alabama rolled to victory on Saturday 49-27. With its third straight victory over in-state rival Auburn, Alabama secured its 10th win of the season and the 15th season in a row with 10 wins, while handing Auburn its second season in a row with a losing record.
The Crimson Tide’s offense dominated the game, out-gaining Auburn 516-395 yards, led by a solid performance from quarterback Bryce Young. In what was most likely his last game in the crimson and white, Young finished with 20 completions for 343 yards and three touchdowns. Young also got involved in the run game, adding 48 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in his final Iron Bowl.
Despite not reaching the end zone, receiver Jermaine Burton continued his recent success by recording 87 receiving yards, on three catches, two of which were crucial third down conversions for the Crimson Tide. Ja’Corey Brooks had four catches for 76 yards and was on the other end of one of Young's three touchdown passes.
Alabama’s running attack was led by Jahmyr Gibbs who had a team-high 17 carries for 76 yards. All three of Alabama’s running backs scored rushing touchdowns, as well as Bryce Young.
Auburn was unable to get anything going through the air as the Alabama defense held Robby Ashford to just 77 passing yards and a 47.8% completion percentage, but the Tigers made up for the lack of passing success with a big game on the ground. Auburn rushed for 318 yards on 43 carries, the most rushing yards allowed by Alabama since 2011 when they gave up 302 to Georgia Southern. Both Jarquez Hunter and Robby Ashford eclipsed the 100-yard mark with Hunter rushing for 134 yards and Ashford with 121 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson led Alabama with nine tackles while Will Anderson, Jr. finished with two sacks and three tackles for loss in what could be his finale at Alabama. The Crimson Tide defense was able to force a couple of timely turnovers to take the momentum out of Auburn and help put the game out of reach early. For the second week in a row, Alabama was able to force multiple turnovers.
Without an SEC Championship Game to play for, the Crimson Tide’s slim playoff hopes are in the hands of the committee as they will have to hope and pray for chaos to break out in the final games left of the college football season.
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