An overview of the 2024 Iron Bowl
The 2024 Iron Bowl, held on November 30 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, showcased the enduring rivalry between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers. This 89th meeting concluded with Alabama securing a 28-14 victory, marking their fifth consecutive win in the series and extending their lead to 51-37-1 in the all-time series.
Pre-Game Context
Both teams entered the game with significant stakes. Alabama, ranked 13th nationally, held an 8-3 record (4-3 in the SEC) and aimed to bolster their College Football Playoff aspirations. Conversely, Auburn, standing at 5-6 (2-5 in the SEC), sought a victory to achieve bowl eligibility.
First Half
Auburn commenced the game but quickly faced a three-and-out. Alabama’s opening drive showed promise until standout wide receiver Ryan Williams fumbled after a reception, leading to an Auburn recovery. Despite advancing into Alabama’s territory, Auburn’s drive stalled, culminating in a missed 39-yard field goal by Ian Vachon.
Alabama capitalized on their subsequent possession. Quarterback Jalen Milroe orchestrated a five-play, 52-yard drive, highlighted by his own 19-yard touchdown run, putting the Crimson Tide ahead 7-0.
Auburn responded with a nine-play, 72-yard drive but settled for a 37-yard field goal, narrowing the gap to 7-3. Alabama answered with a 12-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in Milroe’s one-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 14-3. A subsequent Milroe fumble provided Auburn a prime opportunity deep in Alabama territory. However, the Tigers managed only a 25-yard field goal, leaving the halftime score at 14-6 in favor of Alabama.
Second Half
Alabama dominated the third quarter, initiating with a nine-play, 75-yard drive, concluded by Justice Haynes’ two-yard touchdown run, increasing the lead to 21-6. Following an Auburn three-and-out, Alabama advanced 60 yards over six plays, with Milroe scoring his third rushing touchdown from 17 yards out, pushing the score to 28-6.
Auburn countered with a 10-play, 87-yard drive, highlighted by Payton Thorne’s 29-yard touchdown pass to Cam Coleman. A successful two-point conversion reduced Alabama’s lead to 28-14.
Early in the fourth quarter, Milroe’s fumble granted Auburn possession near midfield. However, a trick play misfired as Jarquez Hunter’s halfback pass was intercepted by Alabama’s Bray Hubbard at the five-yard line. Alabama then orchestrated a methodical 13-play drive, consuming 7:45 off the clock, effectively sealing the game’s outcome.
Key Performances
-
Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Completed 18 of 24 passes for 256 yards with one interception. He also rushed 17 times for 104 yards, scoring three touchdowns.
rolltide.com -
Jam Miller (Alabama): Carried the ball 28 times, gaining 84 yards.
rolltide.com -
Germie Bernard (Alabama): Secured seven receptions for 111 yards.
rolltide.com -
Payton Thorne (Auburn): Completed 24 of 41 passes for 301 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
biscuitsandsec.com -
KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Auburn): Recorded eight receptions totaling 116 yards.
biscuitsandsec.com
Post-Game Implications
Alabama’s victory improved their record to 9-3, concluding a perfect 7-0 home season under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. This win tied DeBoer with Frank Thomas for the most victories by a first-year head coach in program history. The Crimson Tide awaited their postseason fate, with playoff aspirations still in consideration due to concurrent losses by higher-ranked teams.
Auburn’s defeat resulted in a 5-7 record, marking their fourth consecutive losing season and absence from bowl eligibility. The Tigers’ performance intensified scrutiny on head coach Hugh Freeze, placing him on the proverbial hot seat for the upcoming season.
