The 2023 Iron Bowl will go down as an instant classic. With their backs against the wall and College Football Playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Alabama escaped Jordan-Hare Stadium with a 27–24 win over Auburn.
But it was the way the Tide, who faced a fourth-and-goal from the Tigers’ 31-yard line with under a minute to go, won the game that left fans stunned.
BAMA WITH THE 4TH & GOAL MIRACLE 🤯🤯
(via @CBSSports)pic.twitter.com/W7Qf2iczH6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 26, 2023
Alabama just converted a 4th & goal from the 31 AND covered at the end with a pick 6. Absolutely legendary.
— Chase Snyder (@ChasingSnyder) November 26, 2023
4th & goal from the 31 is CRAZY.
— Mark Gunnels (@MarkAGunnels) November 26, 2023
4TH & GOAL FROM THE 31🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/aLAorFUgEs
— McCready and Siskey Podcast (@McCreadySiskey) November 25, 2023
A miracle indeed. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe heaved a lob into the back corner of the end zone, which was hauled in by Isaiah Bond for the go-ahead score. Needless to say, college football fans were amazed. Alabama fans experienced the highest of highs.
BAMA FANS AFTER THAT 4TH & GOAL TD 😱 pic.twitter.com/806MhR3zfH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 25, 2023
And Auburn fans, who were left wondering why the team didn’t bring more heat on Milroe on fourth-and-long, experienced the lowest of lows.
This is one of the dumbest touchdowns I’ve ever seen allowed given the situation.
4th & GOAL from the THIRTY ONE
A stop = a win. Unreal pic.twitter.com/MJWzyQrFyx
— Lee Benson (@LeeBensonTweets) November 26, 2023
Why in the “F” did Auburn only rush 2 guys on 4th & goal?!?! HORRIBLE DECISION!!! “🤦🏾♂️
— Ki-Jana Carter (@mastakey32) November 26, 2023
So stunning was the fourth-and-goal play from Alabama, that it conjured up memories of the 2013 Iron Bowl, when Auburn won after a 109-yard return off of a missed field goal.
While this year’s Crimson Tide-Tigers clash may not have had one moment as crazy as that one, it had several moments in the final minute that made it impossible to tear your eyes away from the action. Here is just a snapshot.
The final 4 plays of Alabama/Auburn:
-4th & Goal from the 31 yard line converted for a TD
-Kick return that started a fight and took out a ref
-Fumble, recovered by lineman ball at the 1 yard line
-Pick 6The beautiful chaos of college football pic.twitter.com/H7Dir5rcxr
— A (@aidan_34_powers) November 26, 2023
Beautiful chaos, indeed.