Just six years after the Auburn Tigers stunned the Alabama Crimson Tide on the “Kick Six”, Saturday’s meeting between the two rivals in the Iron Bowl delivered another game fans will never forget.
After a slow first quarter, the fireworks started going off for both teams with a series of big plays. From Najee Harris’ Superman touchdown, Jaylen Waddle’s 98-yard return touchdown and Auburn’s incredible three-play sequence, fans witnessed an incredible first half.
The action only intensified in the second half with more incredible moments. When the Tigers took the lead on a 100-yard pick-six, Waddle responded with his third touchdown of the night.
After Waddle soared in the end zone for his fourth touchdown, Tigers running back Shaun Shivers punched in the go-ahead touchdown with eight minutes left to take a 48-45 lead.
Alabama’s offense slowly marched down the field, eating up clock and eyeing a comeback to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive. The drive stalled in the red zone, setting up kicker Joseph Bulovas with a game-tying field goal in the final minutes.
As soon as the “doink” echoed through the stadium, Jordan-Hare Stadium erupted with the Tigers on the verge of celebration. Alabama’s defense held firm to stop the Tigers, then everything changed. Auburn’s tricky punt formation caused the Crimson Tide to make a crucial mistake, sending a 12th player onto the field, drawing the penalty and gifting Auburn a first down.
As the final seconds ticked away off the clock, AUburn’s entire fan base rushed the field and Twitter erupted with reactions to the thrilling finish and Alabama’s playoff hopes coming to an end.