Alabama has a lot to work on, especially its run defense, after the Iron Bowl.
Nick Saban saw his defense surrender over 250 yards rushing and two touchdowns to an Auburn team that completed only five passes, but almost won the game. He will be on his guys all week in preparing for Georgia, but the matchup against the Tigers taught Crimson Tide fans one thing.
This year’s team can win any style of game.
Alabama can win pretty, ugly, close games, and shootouts. The Iron Bowl was ugly as the Tide allowed Auburn to hang around and take the lead.
The crowd was into it at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and Alabama was nearly on the end of another crazy, terrible finish. Jalen Milroe, a sophomore quarterback, would not allow it to happen to his team. He turned in a good performance, including a game-winning touchdown pass that will get a Daniel Moore painting. He found Isaiah Bond in the corner of the end zone on fourth down and goal with 31 yards to go for a touchdown. Milroe’s heroics stunned the Auburn faithful in a 27-24 victory for the Crimson Tide to end the regular season.
Milroe had 259 passing yards, 107 rushing yards, and two touchdowns in the win. Kevin Steele did not have his best game plan, there were moments where Tommy Rees struggled, and Auburn found ways to get momentum, but Alabama emerged as the winner. National championship teams know how to win ugly matchups. Milroe pushed the Tide to get it done in a crazy environment.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
