The Iron Bowl. Auburn hosted their in-state rival for a night game under the lights for their annual end of November matchup. The Crimson Tide came into Jordan-Hare with a 9-2 record and fighting for their playoff lives, while Auburn played for a chance to be eligible for a bowl game, and 364 days worth of bragging rights over their hated rivals.
Despite a slow start, Auburn fought their way back into this football game, helped by a historic performance by Malcolm Simmons and a stingier second half defensive performance.
Unfortunately, a couple of turnovers would be the difference in this game, which saw Alabama ultimately come out on top with a score of 27-20.
As always, Auburn lost the football game, so we start with the bad….
1. The First Quarter:
It was unfortunate to see Auburn come out flat to start the game. Chasing the game from a points perspective always makes things difficult, especially against a talented team like Alabama.
Auburn didn’t gain a first down offensively in the first quarter, while Alabama racked up yards at will both on the ground and through the air. Quarterback Ty Simpson seemingly had all day to stand in the pocket and work through his reads, finally finding Isaiah Horton in the end zone for the score.
Auburn had no answers offensively as well, as their passing attack seemed disjointed, and their (although seldomly used) running game was stagnant.
Unfortunate start in a night game at home in the Iron Bowl.
2. Fourth Down Defense:
Alabama was 3-3 on fourth down. Auburn’s defense was good for the most part, but on the high-leverage, have to have them downs, they fell short unfortunately.
Two of Alabama’s most consequential fourth down conversions occurred on their final drive, which would ultimately decide the game.
Alabama faced a 4th and 1 with 8:53 left on the clock in the fourth quarter. Certainly a pivotal moment in the game. Get the stop there and Auburn takes over and gets the ball at midfield. Nope. Did not get the stop. Ty Simpson scrambled, broke a couple of tackles, and gained the first down. Fresh set of downs.
Same drive. 4th and.2 from the Auburn 6 yard line with 3:54 left on the clock. HUGE play in the football game. THE play. Auburn came up short again. Alabama’s gutsy call paid off, and they completed a pass for another touchdown to Isaiah Horton.
Have to be better in the high leverage moments if you want to beat your talented rivals.
3. Ball security:
We’ll lump in drops, fumbles, and interceptions all in the same category here.
Auburn was treating the football like a hot potato in this one. They were ultimately credited with 5 drops (although it felt like more) and fumbled 4 times (although they only lost one). Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels threw one interception, with a checkown pass bouncing off the hands of running back Omar Mabson and into the arms of an Alabama defender.
During Auburn’s final drive, receiver Cam Coleman caught a pass and was running with the ball after the catch before Alabama forced a fumble, which the Crimson Tide recovered. That was the game. Even though ball security can be random and unpredictable, but securing the ball is paramount, and Auburn was flirting with disaster all eventing, which unfortunately came back to bite them.
And now the good…
1. Malcolm Simmons:Â
Simmons was phenomenal in this one. He put his stamp in Iron Bowl lore forever. His name is in the history books, unfortunately albeit in a loss.
Simmons finished the day with 3 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown. After the catch is where he did his best work, as he caught a 10 yard slant pattern and made several Alabama defenders miss with his speed and elusiveness en route to a 64 yard score.
Malcolm was fantastic, and he had a long touchdown taken off the board due to penalty to boot. Phenomenal game.
2. Offense:
It didn’t necessarily translate into points on the scoreboard, however Auburn’s offense certainly racked up some impressive stats. 152 yards rushing, 20 first downs, and 259 yards passing through the air. Efficient numbers. They outgained Alabama, had more first downs, and a better third down efficiency. Good to see on the offensive side of the ball, especially under an interim head coach and a quarterback who has only made 1 start this season to date.
3. Penalties:
Another undisciplined game. 10 total penalties. A roughing the passer penalty, a pass interference penalty, both extending Alabama drives in the fourth quarter. Stings. 10 penalties is far too many, and it seems like this whole season has been littered with undisciplined play. No matter the coach. That will need to be cleaned up under a new regime.
There’s the season. A 5-7 campaign that saw the Tigers go 1-7 in the SEC, with their lone win coming against Arkansas. A tumultuous season to say the least, with a coaching change coming mid-season after many close losses. Unfortunately Auburn just couldn’t put it all together.
The Tigers showed many signs of improvement, but erratic offensive line play, undisciplined penalties from each position group, and inconsistent quarterback play all led to Auburn not having the record they were hoping for.
Losing to your rivals always stings. No matter the score. Add in that the game was close (like many others this season) and featured some questionable officiating. All in all, after it was all said and done, the Tigers lost. Hats off to Alabama. They earned the win. Gutsy performance on the road.
That’s it for this season. It should be a news filled offseason with commitments and a new coaching staff being ushered in. Strap in. We’ll see which roster plays plan to stay, and which leave for what they hope are greener pastures.
Let the offseason whirlwind begin, and we’ll see you next season.
As always… War Eagle!!
