24 November 2009, 2:02 pm
The Alabama Crimson Tide have maintained aggression and focus throughout the 2009 season. This has allowed Alabama to control its on destiny to the National Championship Game. One of the last matters of business is a trip to the plains of Auburn, Alabama for a showdown with the Tigers. The game commonly called the Iron Bowl.
The rivalry was given the title The Iron Bowl because the game was played in Birmingham, Alabama for many years. Birmingham is a fixture in the American steel industry. The Crimson Tide compiled a record of 34-18-1 in games played in Birmingham. In 1989 the game became a home and home series. During this time Alabama has not fared as well only winning three games and losing a eleven.
Alabama is coming off a trashing of Auburn last year 36-0. Auburn should have more motivation and focus this year. In their first year under Coach Chizik the Tigers have compiled a respectable 7-4 record. The Tigers have shown the ability to score with anyone in the SEC this year giving Alabama cause for concern. Also the game is on Friday and Auburn is coming off a bye week.
However there is no question the Crimson Tide has more to play for this year. With a chance to play for its 13th National Championship. Alabama should be focused and poised to handle the Tigers spread-offense. The Tide has the best defense in the SEC. Alabama has run through the 2009 schedule with little problem. The only close call came when Alabama needed a blocked field goal as time expired to beat Tennessee.
Nick Saban has restored Alabama as a fixture at the top of the national rankings. This will be the second year in a row Alabama has entered into the Auburn game in the top 5 of the AP Poll. Alabama is #2 in the BCS and with only Florida ahead of them a win against Auburn would set up a SEC Championship Game in which the winner would play for the National Championship. So the Iron Bowl is not just a bragging rights game this year it is a playoff game for Alabama.
Fans can only hope that this years Iron Bowl will give them an exciting ending like many of the past. The Iron Bowl has had many from the 1972 "punt Bama punt" game to 1984 "wrong way Bo" (Vincent "Bo" Jackson) game. The Iron Bowl leaves families divided and gives many memories which will last a lifetime. From kids to adults Friday will be a day which all will be gathered around the television for a game filled with tradition they all call the Iron Bowl.
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