TUSCALOOSA— Despite two turnovers and offensive struggles in the first half, Alabama secured a 30-12 win over Auburn in the 81st Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium. For a third time since 2008, head coach Nick Saban obtains undefeated regular season while getting his third straight victory over the Tigers.
After throwing two interceptions, Jalen Hurts returned in the second half with two touchdowns. He completed 27 of 36 passes, including a 38-yard strike to ArDarius Stewart for a score in the third quarter.
Hurts accounted for 323 total yards and three touchdowns, moving him to third in school history for scores in a season (33). Sophomore running back Bo Scarbrough turned in his second-best game of the year, totaling 90 yards rushing on 17 carries against Auburn. He averaged 5.3 yards per attempt, with his longest run going for 20 yards. Damien Harris picked up 47 yards on nine carries, while catching three passes for 22 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Josh Jacobs was the lone back to not lose yardage, posting 32 yards on five attempts.
ArDarius Stewart recorded his fourth 100-yard receiving performance of the year, collecting a career-high 10 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. Both Calvin Ridley and O.J. Howard each had five receptions.
As for Auburn, it had no answers for Alabama’s defense. The Crimson Tide has not allowed a touchdown in four straight games, as it held the Tigers to four field goals. Auburn’s offense was limited to seven first downs, 66 rushing yards, 186 total yards (45 plays) and two third down conversions on 12 attempts.
Reuben Foster and Shaun Dion Hamilton each had eight tackles, to lead the team. Ryan Anderson and Jonathan Allen both had six tackles, including two for loss. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Dalvin Tomlinson had four stops apiece. Hamilton was credited with the lone turnover forced; an interception off Tigers’ Chandler Cox.
With the win, Alabama improves to 12-0 and will face Florida in the SEC title game.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
