Victory Thread: Alabama survives in Auburn

Alabama started strong and hung on late, knocking off Auburn 27-20 at Jordan-Hare stadium.

Out of the gate, the game looked about like most expected it to. Both offenses had a rough time to get anything going. Alabama’s defense was particularly dominant in holding the Auburn offense to a mere 26 yards on its first five possessions.

Meanwhile, Alabama’s offense wasn’t great by any stretch, but they did find something in the run game that we haven’t seen for most of the season. Jam Miller had a couple of nice runs on a drive that ended with a field goal to open the scoring, then on the next possession Ty Simpson ripped off 26 yards on a QB power to set up a beautiful touchdown pass to Isaiah Horton in the back of the end zone.

After another stop, Miller found two explosive runs off tackle for a combined 37 yards, which set up another touchdown toss to Horton. All of a sudden, the Tide led 17-0 and a satisfying road Iron Bowl blowout looked to be in the cards. Auburn’s offense could get absolutely nothing going, and an Alabama running game that had been a potential Achilles’ heel all season suddenly looked like a strength.

Unfortunately, this run of success was fleeting. Set up with solid field position after a three-and-out, OC Ryan Grubb called for a flea flicker that unfortunately fooled no one. The end result was a return three-and out, and Blake Doud added insult to injury with shanked punt that gave Auburn the ball near midfield. More importantly, it gave them hope.

Auburn QB Ashton Daniels, who had been under severe duress to that point, managed to break the pocket and take off up the sideline for a 20 yard gain. Two plays later, Alabama CB Cam Calhoun was flagged for targeting to move the ball closer. The defense stood up in the red zone, but Auburn was on the board with a field goal to cut the lead to 17-3.

After another uninspiring Alabama possession, Auburn was able to move the ball on the ground sufficiently to set up a 43-yard field goal as time expired, cutting the Alabama lead to 17-6 headed into the break. Had you told any Alabama fan before the game that the Tide would lead by 11 at the half, they’d have been ecstatic. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this team fail to put opponents away far too often this season.

On cue, Daniels came out of the locker room and immediately found Malcolm Simmons for a 64-yard catch and run touchdown to cut the lead to four points. The Tide was able to answer with a field goal, but it wasn’t easy. Auburn then drove the ball deep into Alabama territory, but Bray Hubbard was able to thwart the threat with a tip drill interception. Unfortunately a first down sack of Simpson put Alabama behind the chains and they were forced to punt.

That’s when things got really hairy.

Daniels found Simmons again, this time for a 64-yard YAC attack to set Auburn up inside the 5. Zay Mincey was in man coverage on the play and simply whiffed a tackle in space to allow the breakout. Two plays later, RB Jeremiah Cobb punched it in and the game was tied at 20. Needless to say, Alabama fans were stressed.

As mentioned above, Alabama has struggled to put teams away all season. The good news is that they usually have done what was needed to win the game in the end, and this one was no different. The Tide was able to put together a long, slow drive at the end of the game that they’ve become known for. Daniel Hill, in for Jam Miller who suffered what is likely a long term leg injury, ripped off a couple of strong runs to open the drive.

Alabama then became the beneficiary of two flags that Auburn fans will be talking about for generations, a pass interference on third and long, then a roughing the passer flag. Simpson was able to find Horton for a third time in the game for a 27-20 advantage, and the Tide would hold on for dear life from there.

This team can win and leave fans frustrated like no other, but they got it done. Ryan Williams played very little in the game, which was curious. Horton and Germie Bernard took the lead in this one at the receiver position. The defense was great for most of the night, but allowed the two critical explosive plays for 14 points. Miller is almost assuredly out next week.

Now more than ever, it’s all about surviving and advancing. Alabama did that. After all of the weirdness that has been the 2025 SEC season, it will be Alabama and Georgia facing off in Atlanta for the conference title.

Same as it ever was, am I right?

Roll Tide.