Alabama Football: 30 Greatest Games in Crimson Tide History
By Ronald Evans
Alabama Football Greatest Game
November 29, 2008 – Bryant-Denny vs. Auburn
Some Alabama football fans may argue any win over Auburn qualifies as a ‘Greatest Game.’ That was not true during the Paul Bryant era when despite several big Iron Bowls, the Crimson Tide won 19 times in 25 games. In more than a few of the 19 wins, Auburn offered little challenge.
What made the 2008 win so important, or we should say who, was Tommy Tuberville. From 2002 through 2007, Tuberville’s Auburn teams beat the Crimson Tide six straight times. It was clear before November Nick Saban was bringing the Tide back quickly. But a seventh consecutive loss to Auburn would have zapped the building momentum.
The game proved to be a mismatch. A Leigh Tiffin field goal and Glen Coffee, 41-yard touchdown run gave the Tide a 10-0 halftime lead. Early in the third quarter, John Parker Wilson connected with Nikita Stover for a 39-yard touchdown. Two Mark Ingram rushing touchdowns gave the Crimson Tide lead of 29-0 through three quarters.
The final Crimson Tide score delighted the Bryant-Denny crowd. A five-play Tide drive of 53 yards was more than the Crimson Tide milking the game clock’s last five and a half minutes. The drive ended with reserve QB, Greg McElroy connecting with Marquis Maze for a 34-yard touchdown.
On 30 rushing attempts, the Tigers averaged 1.9 yards and finished with 57 net rushing yards. Kodi Burns completed 9-of-23 passes for 113 yards. Total yards for the game were 412 yards for the Crimson Tide to 170 for Auburn.
Tommy ‘fear the thumb’ Tuberville would never coach another Auburn football game. Three lackluster years at Texas Tech and four more of the same at Cinncinatti ended his coaching career.