Alabama 27 vs. Auburn 28 Final

Cam Newton led Auburn to an improbable Comeback

Wow. Just as Alabama dominated the first half, Auburn poured out an equally dominating second half performance, winning the half 21-3.  After setting a career high for passing yards in the first half for Greg McElroy, he was only able to throw for 40 yards in the second half before being knocked out late in the fourth quarter. His replacement,  A.J. McCarron was ineffective, and did not complete a pass in his four attempts. This was the team the nation tuned into see, a dominating defense combined with Cam Newton's ability to keep drives going. Newton looked like one of the top players in the country in the second half. Unable to get much going on the ground, he relied on his arm for three touchdown passes.

Julio Jones came to play in his final Iron Bowl
pulling down 10 receptions for 199 yards

There were three key moments in this one. At the end of the second quarter, the Alabama offense was putting together one of it's signature drives. A heavy dose of Ingram and Richardson combined with Julio Jones making plays on the outside.  However inside the Auburn 10, McElroy was sacked by outstanding defensive lineman Nick Fairley, causing a fumble that was recovered by himself.

Dicey play calls by Auburn coach Gene Chizik payed off. Auburn went for it on a fourth and three from the Alabama 47 in route to their touchdown that gave them the 28-27 lead. Auburn ran the fake QB run play action that Tim Tebow made famous and found wide receiver Darvin Adams on the left side to convert the first down.

Once again Coach Chizik went for it on fourth and inches from their own 36 yard line. Cam Newton was able to gain three yards on the play, and the Tigers were able to continue to run the clock. I'm not sure this was the right call in this situation with the Auburn defense playing so well. But, when you have a Heisman quarterback like Cam Newton on your team, you put the ball in his hands to win games. Coach Chizik became an Auburn Hero with two of the diciest calls in Iron Bowl history.