What Is 2013 Alabama vs Auburn football game

Overview

The 2013 Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn is one of the most iconic games in college football history. Played on November 30, 2013, at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the game featured a top-ranked Alabama team facing off against in-state rival Auburn in a high-stakes showdown with national title implications.

The game culminated in a stunning finish that has since become legendary in college football lore. With the score tied 28–28 and only one second remaining, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal that fell short, leading to one of the most dramatic plays in sports history.

• Chris Davis returned the missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown, the longest play in Iron Bowl history, sealing Auburn's 34–28 victory.
• Alabama entered the game ranked #1 in the AP Poll and was favored by 10 points, making the loss especially shocking.
• The game was tied 28–28 with just seconds left, after Auburn had erased a 20–7 deficit in the fourth quarter.
• Kicker Adam Griffith attempted the 57-yard field goal for Alabama, which was well short and directly in front of the goalposts.
• The 'Kick Six' play occurred with 0:01 remaining on the clock, ending the game immediately due to the touchdown.

How It Works

The term 'Kick Six' refers to the game-ending play in the 2013 Iron Bowl, where a missed field goal was returned for a touchdown. This play exemplifies how special teams can decisively influence high-pressure college football games.

• Kick Six: The term coined for Chris Davis’s 109-yard return of a missed field goal, the longest possible play in football, as it spanned the entire field.
• Field Goal Attempt: Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal with one second left, a high-risk play given the distance and game situation.
• Return Zone: Davis caught the ball at the back of Auburn’s end zone, giving him room to maneuver and start his return.
• Blocking Scheme: Auburn’s return team effectively blocked Alabama players, allowing Davis to sprint down the sideline untouched.
• Game Clock Rules: The play ended the game immediately upon the touchdown, as time had already expired.
• National Implications: The loss knocked Alabama out of the national title race, while Auburn advanced to the SEC Championship Game.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key statistics from the 2013 Iron Bowl:

Auburn outgained Alabama on the ground by a wide margin, with Tre Mason rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Despite Alabama’s edge in passing and possession, the game turned on the final play, underscoring how a single moment can redefine an entire season.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Iron Bowl remains a cultural and athletic landmark in college football, symbolizing both the unpredictability of sports and the intensity of the Alabama-Auburn rivalry. Its impact extends beyond the field, influencing recruiting, media narratives, and fan identity.

• SEC Championship Berth: Auburn’s win allowed them to face Missouri in the SEC Championship Game, which they won 59–42.
• Bowl Eligibility: The victory propelled Auburn into the national championship conversation, eventually reaching the BCS National Championship Game.
• Alabama’s Season: The loss ended Alabama’s hopes for a third consecutive national title, finishing the season 11–2.
• Chris Davis’s Legacy: Davis became an instant legend in Auburn history, with his jersey retired and the play replayed annually.
• Media Coverage: The 'Kick Six' was named ESPN’s 'Play of the Year' and remains a staple in sports highlight reels.
• Rivalry Intensity: The game intensified the already fierce Alabama-Auburn rivalry, with fans on both sides citing it as a defining moment.

The 2013 Iron Bowl exemplifies how college football can produce unforgettable drama, uniting fans and creating lasting legacies through a single play.