11. Auburn 28 vs. Alabama 18 – Nov. 19, 2005
How I Remember It: Sacks, sacks, and more sacks. Oh yeah, domination too. We all remember the 21-0 score at the end of the first quarter. We all remember Brodie laying on the ground for most of the game. We all remember the whooping that was the 2005 Iron Bowl.
I specifically remember the hype that surrounded Alabama. Everybody wanted their beloved, historical power to be back, especially Sports Illustrated. They did only have one loss, but Auburn was going for four in a row, and only had two losses on the season.
This was the most dominant performance by Auburn in an Iron Bowl in Jordan-Hare history. The Tigers made the previously once-beaten Tide look like they did for most of the 2000’s. This game was supposed to be a hard-nosed battle with both teams being ranked in the top-15, but Auburn shut down Alabama early and rode it out for the win.
Oh, this was also the game where Tommy did the whole four-fingers in the air thing. I remember actually watching him walk on the sideline and then throwing that four up. It was awesome.
What Really Happened: Auburn and Alabama both came into this game with one SEC loss, both losing to LSU. Auburn had the season-opening loss to Georgia Tech as well. Auburn was ranked 11th in the nation. Alabama was 8th.
All of the hype and anticipation for this game ended pretty quickly, as it was pretty much over after one quarter with Auburn scoring on their first three possessions. Ben Obomanu caught and rushed for two touchdowns, and Kenny Irons rushed for one more. The Auburn defense sacked Brodie five times in the first quarter as well.
The Tide would score after an Auburn fumble in the 2nd quarter, but Auburn answered with a Brandon Cox touchdown pass to Cole Bennett halfway through the quarter. At halftime, the score was 28-7.
Alabama added a field goal in the third quarter, and a touchdown with 2-point conversion in the 4th to make the final score 28-18. This prompted some Alabama fans to actually call for a 2nd half moral victory. “Well without that first quarter, we won.” Uh-huh…
Why did I pick this game? This was one of the most dominant performances in Iron Bowl history, which may cause some to ask why it’s as low as #11 on the list. My answer to that is “domination”. This is a list of the Top 30 Games in Jordan-Hare history, and there wasn’t really much of a game in this one. The first quarter was absolutely awesome, but I never felt worried, there was no nail-biting, and no comebacks. It was just a beatdown. The beatdown is what got this one on the list, but the domination is why it’s a little low.
Fun Facts: The Auburn defense sacked Brodie eleven times, seven in the first half alone. This was Auburn’s 6th win of their last seven games against top-10 teams.
Play of the Game: Ben Obomanu ran a reverse for a 45-yard touchdown to put the Tigers up 21-0 in the 1st quarter and put this one away only ten minutes into the game.
Player of the Game: Obomanu ran through the Tide defense scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter easily giving him the honor.
Quote of the Game: “I think they got full of themselves. They won some games this year by the skin of their teeth. We were watching it all year and we were like, ‘Man, these guys keep escaping.'” – Travis Williams
Game Story: ESPN | Auburn Archives
Game Notes: Auburn Archives
Highlight Video: A96 Productions
The rest of the Top 30:
12. Auburn 10 vs. Florida 7 – Nov. 4, 1989
13. Auburn 28 vs. Tennessee 21 – Oct. 4, 2003
14. Georgia 56 vs. Auburn 49 – Nov. 16, 1996
15. Auburn 7 vs. LSU 3 – Sept. 16, 2006
16. Auburn 20 vs Florida State 17 – Oct. 20, 1990
17. Auburn 28 vs. Alabama 23 – Nov. 22, 2003
18. Auburn 29 vs. Georgia 26 – Nov. 11, 2000
19. Auburn 38 vs. Arkansas – Oct. 16, 2004
20. LSU 26 vs. Auburn 21 – Sept. 20, 2008
21. Georgia 19 vs. Auburn 14 – Nov. 13, 1982
22. Auburn 17 vs. Alabama 10 – Nov. 24, 2007
23. Auburn 33 vs. Ole Miss 20 – Oct. 31, 2009
24. Auburn 26 vs. Tennessee 26 – Sept. 29, 1990
25. Auburn 31 vs. LSU 7 – Oct. 26, 2002
26. Auburn 27 vs. Florida State 24 – Oct. 1, 1983
27. Ole Miss 24 vs. Auburn 20 – Nov. 8, 2003
28. Auburn 24 vs. Georgia 6 – Nov. 13, 2004
29. Auburn 55 vs. Pacific 0 – Sept. 9, 1989
30. Auburn 37 vs. Syracuse 34 – Sept. 28, 2002
2 comments
[…] 11. Auburn 28 vs. Alabama 21 – Nov. 19, 2005 […]
[…] look at this… Cole Bennett, who scored a touchdown in the 2005 Iron Bowl wants to take part in the mailbag this week. I'm honored. A guy who will forever be known in Iron […]