Alabama Football: Ranking the 5 best Iron Bowl games of the Saban era

5. 2012

Alabama 49, Auburn 0

Objectively, this was one of the ugliest games in Iron Bowl history. That being said, we’re looking at these from Alabama’s perspective. There is zero doubt that this game was one of the greatest for Tide fans to watch.

Sometimes you want an interesting game against a rival. It feels good to give their fans hope before breaking their hearts. It can also feel good to just beat the breaks off of them, which is what the Tide running game did in 2012.

Everything worked in this game for the Crimson Tide. They remained balanced with over 200 yards in both the passing and running game, and they scored at least three touchdowns in both facets as well. With those kinds of numbers, Auburn had no chance.

The MVP of the game was undoubtedly Amari Cooper, who had over 100 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns for Alabama. However, the running backs got in on the fun, with two running backs averaging over 6.5 yards a carry.

The defense held Auburn to only 163 total yards and forced three turnovers. The writing was already on the wall for Gene Chizik to be terminated, but this ended up being his final game as an Auburn head coach.