The first half of the 2021 Iron Bowl was about as old school as it could be.
For those who value offense and points, this was far from a crowd pleaser as Alabama and Auburn held each other at a stalemate for the first 30 minutes of action.
Coming off a historic performance from a week ago against Arkansas, Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young struggled to find any success through the air or with his legs. Young had one of his least efficient starts to a game a season and Auburn’s pressure played a big role in his disruption.
The Tigers were consistently in Young’s face in the first half and gave Alabama nothing in the run game.
Alabama running back Brian Robinson rushed for a staggering 19-yards on eight carries and was visibly frustrated walking off the field at the end of the second quarter.
Adding insult to injury was wide receiver Jameson Williams, who was the Crimson Tide’s leading receiver all season, was ejected for targeting early in the second quarter.
Despite the lack of offensive production, the Crimson Tide defense did its part as any yards gained by the Tigers were well earned.
The unit surrendered just seven points through two quarters and like the Tigers, smothered the running game and got after quarterback TJ Finely.
Alabama recorded a total of four sacks with six tackles for loss with Auburn rushing for -3 yards so far in the contest.
The only score of the game came after a 29-yard pass from Finley setting up a 15-yard Kobe Hudson touchdown.
The Crimson Tide will receive the ball to start the second half as it looks to turn things around and keep its playoff hopes alive.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
