Auburn University came into Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium talking about how it would beat Alabama, but the Tigers finished without a bowl berth.
The Crimson Tide shut Auburn up in the 89th Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama earned a 28-14 victory, allowing Kalen DeBoer to match former Tide head coach Frank Thomas (1931) for most wins in a season by a first-year head coach at the program with nine. Malachi Moore, a fifth-year senior, played in his last Iron Bowl over the weekend. The Trussville (Ala.) native concluded his career never losing to the Tigers. He is 5-0 all-time against the Tigers as a defensive back since 2020.
How Alabama’s secondary was able to overcome injuries, improve over course of season
Moore played with exceptional physicality, intensity, and inflicting pain on Auburn. He rocked receiving options for the Tigers to a tune of three pass breakups to pair with a quarterback hurry and four tackles. The 6-foot, 201-pounder set the tone for Alabama to bring ‘violent intentions’ to the Tigers. He will forever have bragging rights over his in-state rival and he shared it via X.
Wolfin all week😭5-0 against lil bro
— Kinggchi👑 (@malachi_moore13) December 1, 2024
Moore has 70 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, eight pass breakups (team-high), three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He started his career with an interception against Auburn as a freshman and ended his tenure with three breakups versus the Tigers. We will see if Moore and the Tide get into the College Football Playoff, but he made sure Alabama wrapped up this season as state champions. Kalen DeBoer told the media about how much Moore cares about the Tide.
“He carries us through tonight, but it represents what he is all season long,” DeBoer said about Moore’s leadership.
“When guys were in and out or there were weeks where we were up against it with some dings, he just continued to stay the course. Tonight, I loved seeing him flying around. His energy, in a positive way, is something everyone feed off of. He loves this place more than anyone could every imagine. We see if everyday in practice and it’s great when you see it carry over to the game and you can see it as well.”
Moore has been great for Alabama as a team captain. We will see if his season can continue in the CFP.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
