WATCH: Animated Auburn - Alabama players exchange verbal spat after heated Iron Bowl showdown

Tensions were high during Saturday’s Iron Bowl as No.13 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3, 5-3, SEC) defeated the Auburn Tigers (5-7, 2-6, SEC) 28-14. The Saban Field at the Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa saw players clash in a sideline brawl during the third quarter.

The series of incidents began after Auburn’s Payton Thorne missed a pass to Malcolm Simmons, leading to an altercation on the Tigers’ sideline. At one point, Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack even dashed across the field to help break up the melee.

The referee subsequently hit Alabama’s DeVonta Smith and Malachi Moore with personal foul penalties but somehow, Auburn's KeAndre Lambert-Smith escaped without flags. Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer was not impressed by the officiating.

While the ruckus ensued, Auburn took advantage on the drive, cutting the lead to 28-14, thus winning the Iron Bowl. Tempers were still flaring following the match's completion.

This wasn’t an isolated incident on an emotional rivalry weekend, with similar scenes happening in “The GAME” between the No.2 Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

Michigan and Ohio State players exchanged punches after the Wolverines DE Derrick Moore planted the Michigan flag on the Buckeyes’ logo. Police personnel had to intervene and even used pepper spray on the athletes.

Alabama's Kalen DeBoer delivers statement win over Auburn in Iron Bowl

Alabama HC delivered a signature victory in his first Iron Bowl, silencing his doubter. Alabama ended the season with a 9-3 record after a win over Auburn, making the Crimson Tide's fifth straight in the Iron Bowl rivalry.

With this win, DeBoer and Co. have kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive. The 50-year-old South Dakota native etched his name in Alabam football history, becoming the first Tide head coach since Dennis Franchione in 2001 to defeat Auburn on his initial attempt.

DeBoer's team will miss the SEC Championship Game after losing to Oklahoma. However, their late surge—winning four of their last six games—has strengthened their playoff case.

“I don't know the exact stats, but I know we beat four Top 25 teams throughout the year. I don't know how many, if anyone, has done that…” DeBoer stated.

The Tide also benefited from losses by Miami and Clemson, boosting their standing in the CFP rankings.