The Iron Bowl. Alabama vs. Auburn. If you were born in the state of Alabama, the question of Alabama or Auburn was probably answered for you before your birth. If you have moved to the state, this question is sure to be posed to you at some point or another by friends, co-workers, or any number of other aquaintences. This fabled rivarly divides families, produces heated arguments, and is without question the best rivalry in college football. "What about Ohio State v. Michigan, Oklahoma v. Texas, or Florida v. Georgia?" you might say. With all due respect, it just isn't the same.
5. Alabama and Auburn are in-state rivals
Alabama and Auburn are far from the only in-state rivalry in college football. It seems as though every conference has one. This one, however, is different. Not only are Alabama and Auburn in the same state, but to the fans of these schools, the opposing team represents a different way of life. To Alabama fans, Auburn supporters are the country bumpkins of the state who just want to be like Alabama. To Auburn fans, Alabama represents the snobs that live in the state who become big business men or lawyers. So when their respective teams take the field against each other, it becomes not only about one team defeating another, but also about one group beating another. One presumed class defeating another.
4. The Coaches
Gus vs. Saban. The Bear vs. Shug. Tommy Tuberville vs. whoever happened to be Alabama's coach that year. To fans, their coach represents the correct path for a succesful football program and for a succesful program of being a mentor to the young men on the field. The leaders of both teams now represent that well. Nick Saban is percieved as a more hellfire and brimestone coach, whose rath extends off the field and to the media as well. Gus Malzhan brought the new to Auburn, through the no huddle offense, and has expanded the idea of the Auburn community as being a family.
3. The Players Themselves
Bo Jackson, Kenny Stabler, Joe Namath, Cam Newton, Derrick Henry, and Carnell Williams. These are just a few of the nearly countless players who have suited up for their teams on thier way to leaving a legacy of greatness throughout their college careers. Quarterbacks, running backs, wide recievers, defensive linemen, and all other positions across the field have been filled by legencdary players at one point or another for both teams. These players, coupled with their coaches, have combined to mold some of the most memorable moments in college football history.
2. Eternal Moments
Bo over the Top. The Run in the Mud. The Kick Six. The Kick. All of these plays and many more carry images within the minds of fans on both sides. Some remeber a time when a play took their breath away and made them jump for joy, while others remeber when a play made them break down in sorrow or rage. Through the decades, it seems that every game produces a moment that fans will carry with them for years and years to come.
1. The Atmosphere
Bryany Denny Stadium, Jordan Hare Stadium, and Legion Field. Three sites that have hosted the Iron Bowl. Each with their own traditions and features, but none are at their true best until the Iron Bowl comes to visit. Legion Field served as the long time home for this classic, producing a vibrant arena of half crimson and half orange, but now the contest has moved to the teams' respective home fields. Both Bryant Denny in Tuscaloosa and Jordan Hare in Auburn have their own speific features, but they share a common thread; serving as the gladiator pit for visiting fans when the Iron Bowl is hosted by one or the other. This envoirnment of distaste, but respect, is unlike anywhere else in college football and solidifies the Iron Bowl as the greatest rivalry in college football.
