More than a few Alabama football fans fear bizarre outcomes in Iron Bowl games played in Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium. There is a rationale behind the apprehension. Alabama's record in Jordan-Hare is 6-10. That, of course, predates Nick Saban, but the GOAT only managed to go 5-4 in Auburn.
Pat Dye and Auburn began hosting Iron Bowls in Auburn during the 1989 season. Eleven Iron Bowls have been played since the 'Kick Six' game in 2013. Video replays of that disaster are permanently implanted in the brains of Alabama fans. That game is the main reason why the Crimson Tide is often said to have a curse against it in Jordan-Hare.
While he was coaching, Nick Saban downplayed talk about voodoo in Jordan-Hare. He said in every case, the Iron Bowl winner was the team that deserved to win. Last November, Saban changed his tune, "... in 17 years of going to Auburn, playing in Jordan-Hare, that place is HAUNTED! It really is. The way we lost games, and the way we won games there, it's unbelievable. 'Kick Six' and then 'The Gravedigger' last year, I mean, I'm telling you, the place is haunted."
Before last season's Iron Bowl, Josh Pate fueled the feeling of a Jordan-Hare curse, "I’ve been on the sidelines several times with Alabama playing in Jordan-Hare and it almost feels like the stadium itself leans on the Tide. It’s a crazy spectacle to witness."
There is no question that Auburn has had extraordinary luck in Jordan-Hare. That luck propelled the Tigers to improbable wins over Alabama, and one over Georgia as well in 2013. Rather than being fueled by a curse, what happens in a Jordan-Hare Iron Bowl is a fever pitch for the home crowd and the home team. An Auburn Iron Bowl is always the biggest game of the year for the Tigers.
Whatever magic Auburn has had in Jordan-Hare, it has dissipated in recent seasons. Going back to the 2020 season, Auburn's record in Jordan-Hare against Power Four teams is 9-16. The 16 losses include one, not Power Four loss to New Mexico State. A five-season 36% home win record against credible competition is a strong indication that any demons have moved from the L'ovliest Village on the Plains' to dwell elsewhere.
Alabama Football the better team
In November, Alabama Football will be the far better team in another Auburn Iron Bowl. As Saban said as a coach, the team that deserves to win will win. That team will be the Alabama Crimson Tide, and the prediction is not the least bit bold.
Note: Iron Owl records provided by mcubed.net