The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly in Alabama’s 28-14 Iron Bowl Win Over…

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly in Alabama’s 28-14 Iron Bowl Win Over Auburn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuscaloosa, AL – On a chilly Saturday afternoon, the Iron Bowl once again lived up to its reputation for fierce rivalry, drama, and unexpected twists. In a hard-fought battle, the Alabama Crimson Tide triumphed over the Auburn Tigers with a 28-14 victory that delivered plenty of moments of both brilliance and frustration. As Alabama secured their spot in the SEC Championship Game, the game was a microcosm of their season: moments of dominance tempered with a few alarming struggles. Here’s a breakdown of the good, the bad, and the ugly from the game that had fans on the edge of their seats.

The Good

Jalen Milroe’s Poise and Performance

Alabama’s quarterback, Jalen Milroe, was undoubtedly one of the stars of the game. After a rocky start to the season and a few doubts surrounding his consistency, Milroe showed remarkable poise in the hostile environment of Jordan-Hare Stadium. He finished the day with 219 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an additional touchdown on the ground. His first passing touchdown came early in the second quarter, a perfectly executed 17-yard pass to Isaiah Bond, and his rushing touchdown in the third quarter was a key moment in the game, giving Alabama a two-score lead. Milroe’s ability to extend plays with his legs while remaining calm in the pocket was critical in keeping Auburn’s defense on its heels.

Additionally, his ability to manage the game efficiently and not force throws was a testament to his growth as a leader. Milroe’s playmaking ability and the confidence he’s regained as the season has progressed is certainly a positive sign for Alabama, especially as they head into postseason play.

Alabama’s Defense: Bend but Don’t Break

Alabama’s defense played a vital role in the victory, stifling Auburn’s offense for most of the game. While Auburn managed to move the ball effectively at times, Alabama’s defense showed up when it mattered most, particularly in the red zone. Auburn was held to just 14 points, and the Tide defense forced several crucial turnovers that stopped Auburn’s momentum dead in its tracks.

Linebackers like Dallas Turner and Jaylen Moody were constantly in the backfield, creating pressure on Auburn’s quarterbacks. Turner, in particular, was a menace on the edge, making life difficult for Auburn’s quarterbacks and even contributing with a key sack. In the secondary, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Malachi Moore were solid in coverage, making critical pass breakups that prevented Auburn from converting on several key third-down situations.

Though Auburn found some success through the air and on the ground, Alabama’s ability to hold strong in the red zone and force Auburn into mistakes was the hallmark of their defensive performance.

Running Back Room’s Depth

Alabama’s running back committee showcased its depth in the victory. Running backs Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams were crucial to the offense’s success, with McClellan being the standout in the second half. McClellan ran for 76 yards and a touchdown, adding a spark when Alabama needed it most. His physical running style helped the Tide establish a more balanced offensive attack, forcing Auburn to respect both the ground game and the passing game.

Williams, though not as prolific as McClellan, contributed solidly with a few key runs that kept Auburn honest. Together, the duo provided Alabama with a steady ground attack, especially during critical drives to drain the clock and keep Auburn from getting back into the game.

The Bad

Alabama’s Penalties and Lack of Discipline

While Alabama’s defense and offense had their moments of brilliance, one of the most glaring issues was the team’s inability to stay disciplined. Alabama committed several costly penalties throughout the game, including pass interference calls and holding penalties that negated big plays. These mistakes not only stalled Alabama’s offensive drives but also gave Auburn some breathing room on both sides of the ball.

The Tide’s 10 penalties for 85 yards were a significant hindrance, especially in a game that was expected to be close. These mistakes, if not cleaned up, could become a liability in more high-stakes matchups, such as the SEC Championship or a potential College Football Playoff game. Head coach Nick Saban will likely be frustrated with the lack of discipline, as such penalties can take a toll in tight contests.

Auburn’s Resilience – An Early Wake-up Call

Though Alabama ultimately came away with the win, the Tigers’ early success in the game was concerning for the Tide. Auburn was able to establish a rhythm offensively and put pressure on Alabama, especially in the first half. After a sluggish start, Alabama found themselves trailing 7-0 following a 75-yard touchdown run by Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter. Alabama’s defense struggled to contain Auburn’s running backs early on, and the Tigers were able to gain solid yardage in the first quarter. It was a reminder that Alabama’s defense can still be vulnerable against strong running teams, especially when they fail to make adjustments quickly.

While Alabama did ultimately clamp down after the first quarter, the early difficulties are a cause for concern, especially as they move into more formidable playoff competition. They will need to be more consistent on defense from the get-go if they hope to avoid similar struggles against higher-ranked teams.

The Ugly

Auburn’s Inconsistent Quarterback Play

Auburn’s offense struggled throughout the game, and the biggest issue was quarterback play. Whether it was Robby Ashford or Holden Geriner, Auburn could not get consistent play from their quarterbacks. Ashford, a dual-threat signal-caller, showed flashes of brilliance but was erratic with his throws. His interception late in the game, which was picked off by Alabama’s Malachi Moore, sealed Auburn’s fate.

Auburn’s inability to establish any sort of rhythm in the passing game kept Alabama’s defense in control. There were times when Auburn’s receivers had some success against Alabama’s secondary, but the quarterback play failed to capitalize on those opportunities, making it difficult for Auburn to sustain drives.

Auburn’s Missed Opportunities

Along with poor quarterback play, Auburn missed several key opportunities that could have kept the game closer. The Tigers had a chance to get back into the game in the second half after Alabama’s lead had extended, but poor execution on both sides of the ball prevented them from capitalizing. A missed field goal by Auburn’s kicker, along with a series of dropped passes and miscommunications, kept them from turning the tide of the game. Had Auburn been able to execute more efficiently, the outcome could have been far more uncertain.


In the end, Alabama’s 28-14 win over Auburn was a mix of dominant performances and lingering concerns. The good news is that the Crimson Tide showed enough flashes of brilliance to make them a dangerous team heading into the postseason, with Milroe and the defense leading the way. However, the bad and ugly parts of the game will require attention, particularly the penalties and defensive lapses, if Alabama hopes to compete for a national title. With more challenges ahead, the Iron Bowl victory was both a triumph and a wake-up call for the Crimson Tide.

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