The 2010 Iron Bowl was just another classic in what seems like an annual tradition of classic games between Auburn and Alabama.
And with a potential chance for a national championship seemingly falling through their fingers, the Auburn Tigers furiously rallied and showed the Crimson Tide that they are the current kings of Alabama football.
Auburn defeated Alabama 28-27 in the Iron Bowl, which was held on Alabama's home field in Tuscaloosa. The victory against one of the best all-around teams in the country was impressive enough. What was even more impressive was the way they did it.
The Tigers took the field and were immediately punched in the mouth by an inspired Alabama football team on both sides of the ball. Seeming to enjoy the thought of playing spoiler, the Tide threw the ball all over the field and physically ran over the Auburn defense. The crowd of over 100,000 was shaking the stadium and it looked like the Tigers were playing this game against the entire world. Before you could blink, Auburn trailed 24-0 and national championship dreams were turning into Auburn fans' worst nightmares.
However, the Tigers showed why they are championship contenders and the second-ranked team in the country.
The defense got down and dirty and put a ton of pressure on Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, forcing him into bad passes and throwing him into the ground numerous times. The secondary, which had been suspect all season, stuck with Alabama's big receivers and clobbered them the second they caught the ball. Crimson Tide running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson were contained all night, fighting for every yard they gained.
The play of the defense made way for the offense to get into their groove. Cam Newton, who had been swallowed up in the first quarter, opened up the field with the passing game and Auburn began chipping away at the Alabama lead. As the Tigers came back, they were able to run their normal offense and began to overwhelm the usual stingy Alabama defense. Auburn ended the game outscoring the Tide 28-3.
Auburn showed what a team needs to be a champion during the Iron Bowl. As the game went along, it became evident that Auburn wasn't going to allow Alabama to embarrass them. The Tigers weathered the storm of the rolling Tide and the emotion and momentum that Alabama was expected to enter the game with. Once the emotion subsided and Auburn was still in the game, momentum was overtaken by talent, teamwork, and coaching. Auburn proved to the world that they deserve to be called the best team in the country.
Now one win away from their national championship shot, Auburn has to keep their eye on the original prize.
The SEC championship.
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You can follow Ryan Desmarais on Twitter @RyanDesmarais
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