The Auburn Tigers stormed back in the second half of the Iron Bowl, outscoring Alabama 21-3 in the second 30 minutes to, perhaps, solidify their place in the BCS National Championship game. After a slow first half on offense, Heisman contender Cam Newton came alive, playing a role in all three Auburn scores. After being torched in the first half, to the tune of 335 yards of offense, the Tiger defense held strong, limiting quarterback Greg McElroy to just 42 yards through the air in the second half before McElroy left with an apparent concussion.
Newton finished with 216 yards and three touchdowns through the air. The dual-threat quarterback added 39 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Terrell Zachery led the Tigers with two catches for 77 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown to open the half.
McElroy was having a banner day before being knocked out of the game late in the fourth quarter. After throwing for 335 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, McElroy finished with 377 yards and two scores on the day. A.J. McCarron took the reigns for Alabama’s final possession but didn’t complete a pass as the Crimson Tigers went four-and-out to end the game. Julio Jones had a monster day in the passing game, catching 10 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown. The dynamic running back duo of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson combined for just 60 yards on 20 carries for the Crimson Tide.
The win keeps Auburn perfect on the year at 12-0. The Tigers head to the SEC Championship Game next week to face South Carolina. Alabama falls to 9-3 on the year, left to await a bowl invitation.