The Iron Bowl is not just a game; it is a battle–a fierce rivalry match-up between two of the most elite college football teams in the nation.
Every Thanksgiving weekend in the 1900’s, the Alabama Crimson Tide met the Auburn Tigers at the neutral site of Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
Since the year 2000, the game has been hosted at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn University on every odd-numbered year and at Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on every even-numbered year.
To the winner go the spoils of victory for the year, including bragging rights as the best college football team in the state of Alabama and the James E. Foy V-ODK Sportsmanship Trophy, given to the winning team at the foes’ first meeting during the basketball season.
Another perk of winning includes a historic bet between Alabama and Auburn’s SGA presidents that require the loser to sing the winning schools fight song (College Sports Traditions).
These two outstanding football programs have met a whopping total of 77 times.
Alabama leads the series with 42 wins, 34 losses, and one tie. Athletes from both schools have been very successful in the National Football League (NFL).
Auburn’s running back Bo Jackson and Quarterback Cam Newton join Alabama Quarterback Joe Namath and Linebacker Derrick Thomas on the very prestigious list.
So who is the favorite to win this years Iron Bowl? In his article, al.com writer Matt Scallci predicts, “Alabama would be a 17-point betting favorite over Auburn if they were to play tomorrow.”
Aseel Arafat, senior at Bob Jones and Auburn fan, believes that it is going to be a very tight game. “Alabama is good, real good. But Auburn has had an amazing season.”
Bob Jones senior Nkechi Nnorom, who does not support either team, agrees.
“Should be a close game. The run game will be a big factor. Defense is key for both teams,” Nnorom emphasizes.
Alabama (10-0), lead by the legendary Nick Saban and AJ McCarron, is ranked at #1 in all polls, including the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) rankings,while Auburn (10-1), lead by head coach Gus Malzahn and Nick Marshall, sits among the elite at number four in the BCS rankings. Round 78 takes place this year on November 30th at 2:30 p.m. central time on CBS, or (if you can get tickets) at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Roll Tide, War Eagle, and let the best team win.
