In the Iron Bowl, the last thing you want to do is find yourself in an early hole.
That’s exactly what happened to Auburn tonight as its defense couldn’t overcome a 17-point deficit, falling to Alabama 27–20. This marks the Crimson Tide’s sixth consecutive victory over the Tigers and their third straight inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
“Obviously just disappointing. Thought our guys prepared really well,” said head coach D.J. Durkin. “We had chances to win… The turnovers and penalties killed us.”
Following Isaiah Horton’s second touchdown reception of the day with 11:28 to go, the Crimson Tide jumped out to a 17–0 lead, and many Auburn fans began to see the writing on the wall. The Miami Hurricanes transfer finished the night with 35 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner with 3:50 to go.
The Tigers’ defense eventually settled into the game, forcing a three-and-out on four of five drives following the Horton touchdown that made it 17–0, but it wasn’t enough, as projected first-round draft pick quarterback Ty Simpson made clutch plays down the stretch, leading a game-winning drive.
“We started in a hole in this game,” Durkin said. “We had a drive on defense when we were really discombobulated, went down 17-0. Other than that, I think we played well defensively.”
In the second half, led by Malcolm Simmons, Auburn stormed back into the game. The Montgomery, Alabama, native’s 64-yard touchdown and 66-yard reception put the Tigers in prime position to cash in, and they did. The sophomore wide receiver finished the night with 143 yards and a touchdown.
During Alabama’s game-winning drive, there were two key penalties that went the Crimson Tide’s way. On third-and-four at Alabama’s 31-yard line, Sylvester Smith was called for pass interference, prolonging the Tide’s drive. Later in the series, on third-and-seven, standout sophomore Xavier Atkins was the subject of a controversial roughing-the-passer call.
“I feel like there were a lot of controversial calls that were made,” Smith said. “But at the end of the day, you’ve got to play the next play. Whatever the ref calls, I guess that’s what it is.”
Tonight marked the final games played at Jordan-Hare Stadium for Auburn’s seniors and projected NFL draft picks. In all likelihood, Keldric Faulk will hear his name called in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. The defensive end finished his final game in the orange and blue with three tackles. It’s hard not to feel for those players who will never put on the Auburn uniform again.
“He (Faulk) looks awful (in the locker room) and it’s not a reflection on him,” Durkin said. “He’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around.”
Auburn has now posted a losing record in five consecutive seasons, something that hasn’t been done in program history since 1946 to 1950.
According to Justin Hokanson, the Tigers will hold a team meeting at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, and the new head coach is expected to be announced to the team at that time.
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Rory is a sophomore majoring in journalism sports production. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @RorymGarvin
