Alabama Thwarts Auburn's Bowl Eligibility Hopes

December 2, 2024- Tuscaloosa, AL- The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Auburn in a sloppy 28-14 Iron Bowl victory to keep their slim playoff chances alive. In a game that had a total of 6 turnovers, Alabama was able to persevere and emerge the victors on Saturday night. Tide Quarterback Jalen Milroe started the scoring for the night with a 19-yard rushing touchdown, outflanking Auburn linebacker Demarcus Riddick. It wasn't all positive for Milroe due to his two turnovers, coming in the form of 1 interception and 1 fumble but he offset those mistakes with 256 passing yards, going 18/24 along with 104 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns on 17 carries.

Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard proved to be Milroe's favorite target in the passing game, getting targeted 10 times. He ended the night with 7 receptions for 111 yards, making big plays when the Tide needed them. The only score that was not the result of a quarterback run came on a redzone run by running back Justice Haynes.

The Alabama defense won the day by ensuring Auburn was unable to capitalize off the Tide turnovers. They picked off Tiger quarterback Payton Thorne twice and held Auburn to only 98 rushing yards. This is quite the feat, as the Auburn Tigers have, arguably the best halfback in the conference in Jarquez Hunter. This marks 5 consecutive Iron Bowl wins for the Alabama Crimson Tide and a good start to the rivalry for coach Kalen Deboer.

While the loss for the Tigers ended their bowl eligibility hopes, leaving them with a record of 5-7; the Tide now has a sliver of hope that they might get enough help to make the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Now the Alabama Crimson Tide will sit and wait to see how the Conference Championships shake up next week. The early signing day for recruiting will take place on Wednesday of this week, which will give the coaching staff plenty to focus on while they await the results.