Jalen Milroe Shines as Alabama Tops Auburn in Iron Bowl Thriller
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Iron Bowl never fails to deliver drama, and this year was no exception. Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s dual-threat quarterback, put on a show Saturday night, passing for 256 yards and rushing for 104 yards with three touchdowns to lead No. 13 Alabama to a 28-14 victory over Auburn. The win keeps the Crimson Tide’s playoff hopes alive, but it wasn’t without its share of tense moments.
Milroe’s performance was nothing short of electric. With his 20th rushing touchdown of the season, he joined an elite group of quarterbacks who have achieved that milestone. It was also his fourth career game with three or more rushing touchdowns, the most by any SEC quarterback in the last 25 years. Talk about making history under the bright lights of one of college football’s fiercest rivalries!
For Alabama (9-3, 5-3 Southeastern Conference, No. 13 CFP), this game was a chance to make a statement in what has been an up-and-down debut season for head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Tide now waits to see how the playoff picture shakes out, but one thing is clear: they’re still in the hunt.
Auburn’s Struggles Continue
On the other side of the field, Auburn (5-7, 2-6) fought hard but ultimately fell short, marking their fifth straight Iron Bowl loss and fourth consecutive losing season. The Tigers kept it close in the first half, trailing just 14-6 at the break, but couldn’t capitalize on Alabama’s mistakes. The Tide committed four turnovers, including two fumbles and an interception by Milroe, which gave Auburn opportunities to stay in the game. However, the Tigers couldn’t turn those chances into enough points.
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne had a solid outing, completing 24 of 41 passes for 301 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown to Cam Coleman. But mistakes proved costly. Thorne threw a late interception, and tailback Jarquez Hunter was also picked off in the fourth quarter on a trick play that backfired, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback.
Milroe’s Redemption
Despite the turnovers, Milroe delivered when it mattered most. He completed 18 of 24 passes and carried the ball 17 times, scoring on runs of 1, 17, and 19 yards. His ability to bounce back from mistakes and make big plays was the difference-maker for Alabama. After a rough outing earlier this season against Oklahoma, where he was intercepted three times and rushed for just seven yards, this performance was a much-needed rebound for the Tide’s star quarterback.
Running back Jam Miller also played a key role, grinding out 84 yards on 28 carries to wear down Auburn’s defense. Wide receiver Germie Bernard was another standout, hauling in seven catches for 111 yards. Together, they helped Alabama remain undefeated at home this season.
Missed Opportunities and Heated Moments
The first half was a tale of missed opportunities for both teams. Alabama lost a fumble and threw an interception in Auburn territory, while another fumble set up a field goal for the Tigers. Auburn, meanwhile, missed a field goal, failed on a fourth-down attempt from Alabama’s 19-yard line, and couldn’t punch it into the end zone after getting a first down at the 2-yard line. Instead, they settled for a 25-yard field goal by Ian Vachon with just 27 seconds left in the half.
Things got heated in the second half when tempers flared on the Auburn sideline. A scuffle broke out after Auburn receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith blocked Alabama defensive back DeVonta Smith well out of bounds. Both Smith and fellow Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, adding some extra spice to an already intense rivalry.
The Takeaway
- Auburn: The Tigers couldn’t build on their win over No. 20 Texas A&M, and head coach Hugh Freeze will head into his third season on the hot seat. With another losing season in the books, Auburn fans are left wondering when their program will turn the corner.
- Alabama: The Tide’s playoff hopes remain in limbo after a 24-3 loss to Oklahoma earlier this season. While the Iron Bowl win was crucial, Alabama’s flaws were still evident. Milroe’s heroics were enough to secure the victory, but the team will need to clean up its mistakes if it wants to make a deep postseason run.
What’s Next?
Both Alabama and Auburn now await their postseason destinations. For Alabama, the focus will be on whether they can sneak into the College Football Playoff. For Auburn, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to rebuild and regroup for next season.
One thing is for sure: the Iron Bowl once again lived up to its reputation as one of college football’s most thrilling rivalries. And with Jalen Milroe leading the charge, Alabama fans have plenty to be excited about as the postseason looms.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
