Alabama vs Auburn Football Rivalry

The Alabama vs. Auburn football rivalry, known as the Iron Bowl, is an annual clash between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers. It dates back to 1893 and features the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers, both of whom are charter members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The game is traditionally played on Thanksgiving weekend and has been hosted in various locations, including Legion Field in Birmingham and the campuses of both universities. Over the decades, the Iron Bowl has gained national prominence, with both teams producing legendary coaches, Heisman Trophy winners, and numerous national championships.

Alabama vs Auburn Football Rivalry History

The Alabama vs. Auburn football rivalry, known as the Iron Bowl, is one of the oldest and most heated rivalries in college football. It began on February 22, 1893, with Auburn defeating Alabama 32–22 in a game played in Birmingham. Early on, the rivalry was marked by intense competition, but it was paused in 1907 due to disagreements over finances, officiating, and eligibility rules. The game resumed in 1948 after a 41-year hiatus, cementing itself as a key event in Alabama’s sporting calendar.

The Iron Bowl's name originated from Birmingham’s historic ties to the iron and steel industry, as the city hosted most of the games from the 1940s through the 1980s. In 1989, Auburn hosted the game at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time, ending Birmingham's dominance as the venue.

Since then, the game alternates annually between Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn and Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Over the years, the rivalry has produced countless memorable moments, including "The Kick" in 1985, Van Tiffin’s game-winning field goal, and "The Kick Six" in 2013, when Auburn’s Chris Davis returned a missed field goal for a game-winning touchdown as time expired. The rivalry often has championship implications, with both teams vying for SEC titles and national prominence.

Alabama vs Auburn Football Rivalry Head-to-Head Stats

Since 1893, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers have faced off 88 times in the historic Iron Bowl, with Alabama leading the all-time series 50–37–1, as of the 2023 game statistics. The rivalry has been played in four cities, Auburn, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa, reflecting its deep roots across the state.

The stakes are often high, as one of the two teams advanced to either the BCS or College Football Playoff (CFP) in 12 of 13 seasons from 2009 to 2021. During that span, Alabama made 10 appearances and claimed six national titles, while Auburn went twice and secured a championship in 2010.

Here's a table summarizing the head-to-head stats for the Alabama vs. Auburn football rivalry:

Alabama vs Auburn Football Rivalry Winner Year By Year

The Alabama vs. Auburn football rivalry has seen its share of shifts in dominance over the years, with each team enjoying periods of success. Since their first meeting in 1893, Alabama has led the series with 50 wins, while Auburn has 37 victories, and one game ended in a tie.

Here's the year-by-year list for the Alabama vs. Auburn football rivalry: