Alabama Football: The 30 Greatest Games in Alabama Football History

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide place kicker Adam Griffith (99) and quarterback Cooper Bateman (18) celebrate a kick during the fourth quarter against the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

1985 Iron Bowl – The Kick

If you’re into nail bitingly competitive Iron Bowls (or parachute pants, I guess), the 1980s were a great decade for you. Alabama won four times to Auburn’s six, and after a 16-point win by the Tide in 1980, no game was won by more than two possessions.

Of all the tough games against Auburn in the ‘80’s, the 1985 game is known simply by it’s final play. The kick.

Alabama entered the game 7-2-1 and Auburn was 8-2. Auburn running back Bo Jackson was on his way to a Heisman Trophy winning season, the second in Auburn’s history. But as always with the Iron Bowl, the only thing that matters in this game is the score at the end of the day and who gets bragging rights for the next year.

Van Tiffin kicked three field goals in the first half, helping Bama to a 16-10 halftime lead. As the fourth quarter ran out, Auburn led 23-22. Van Tiffin booted a 52-yard field goal to lift the Tide to a 25-22 win.

Van Tiffin’s record for most extra points converted (135) stood until 2009, when it was broken by his son Leigh Tiffin. In 1985, he kicked a 57-yard field goal which remains the longest successful field goal in school history.

Unfortunately, Bama’s win the 1985 Iron Bowl was the last for the Tide until 1990. Auburn’s 4 wins from 1986-1989 are the second longest streak the Tigers have managed in series history.

Next: 1986, Alabama vs. Notre Dame