Auburn-Alabama Game 2009 Won by Tide in Championship Drive

The Auburn-Alabama game 2009 was another classic Iron Bowl, but only one side will remember it fondly. Auburn-Alabama 2009 would either be another step towards an Alabama championship, or the Iron Bowl that wrecked the Tide's season. For the longest time, it looked like Auburn was set to pull the season-changing upset, and finally shake up the BCS. But the Auburn-Alabama game 2009 became just like the Texas-Texas A&M game last night - in that one of the 'Big 3' bent, but did not break.

In this case, the Tide nearly broke for good at various points, falling down 14-0 within minutes, and then trailing for much of the second half. But a season saving drive for a touchdown gave Alabama a 26-21 win, with Florida now finally in their sights.

The Auburn-Alabama game 2009 started explosively for the Tigers. Coach Gene Chizik used trick plays to give the Tigers an opening touchdown, and then a shocking onside kick led to another touchdown. The Tide were in an unfamiliar position, but eventually, they settled down to tie the score by halftime. Yet Auburn struck back with a long touchdown pass to start the second half.

After that, Alabama closed in again with two field goals, but the Tigers still led 21-20 and sensed a massive upset. The Tide were pinned back at their own 21 halfway through the fourth, with Mark Ingram held quiet all day. So it was up to Greg McElory, who hasn't had to win games by himself this season, to save the Tide's championship hopes.

McElory answered with a methodical drive that ran the clock down, and got first down after first down. The Tide could have settled for a winning field goal, but with third down at the 3, Nick Saban took a gamble of his own and let McElory throw the ball. Roy Upchurch made it pay off with a touchdown catch, giving the Tide a 26-21 lead.

Auburn tried to get a miracle drive of their own, but poor clock management led to a failed Hail Mary. As such, the Auburn-Alabama game 2009 was the second straight Iron Bowl loss for the Tigers, and one of their most heartbreaking. And once again, the BCS picture remains unchanged, as TCU and Cincinnati lost another chance to move up.

Even if Alabama had lost today, they could have stayed alive for the title by beating Florida - setting up massive controversy if they then jumped over TCU and Cincinnati. But unless Florida is shocked by Florida State tomorrow, next week will have the 1 vs 2 Florida/Alabama SEC title game that everyone expected. The last best chance for a messy BCS finish may have died down with this comeback.

The Auburn-Alabama game 2009 went for the Tide despite a poor showing from Ingram - who may have now fallen behind Colt McCoy in the Heisman race. They won despite Auburn coming out on all cylinders in front of their rabid fans. But the Tigers will finish the regular season at 7-5, while the Tide finally get their shot at Florida next week in Atlanta.

Sources

ABC News- "No. 2 Bama Squeaks Past Auburn, 26-21"

HULIQ- "Alabama Eeks Out Iron Bowl Win To Stay Undefeated"

Sporting News- "Tide's final counter keeps them upright in title fight"