Kick Six
{{Short description|Final play of the 2013 Iron Bowl}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox college football game
| name = 78th Iron Bowl
| subheader =
| image = File:Jordan-Hare Stadium west.jpg
| caption = Jordan–Hare Stadium, the site of the game.
| football_season = 2013
| visitor_name_short = Alabama
| visitor_nickname = Crimson Tide
| visitor_school = University of Alabama
| home_name_short = Auburn
| home_nickname = Tigers
| home_school = Auburn University
| visitor_record = 11–0
| home_record = 10–1
| visitor_coach = Nick Saban
| home_coach = Gus Malzahn
| visitor_1q = 0
| visitor_2q = 21
| visitor_3q = 0
| visitor_4q = 7
| home_1q = 7
| home_2q = 7
| home_3q = 7
| home_4q = 13
| date = November 30, 2013
| stadium = Jordan–Hare Stadium
| city = Auburn, Alabama
| MVP =
| us_network = CBS{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/listen-amazing-auburn-radio-call-iron-bowl-win-024938767--ncaaf.html|title=Listen to the amazing Auburn radio call from the Iron Bowl win over Alabama|work=Yahoo! Sports|first=Sam|last=Cooper|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=December 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204053048/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/listen-amazing-auburn-radio-call-iron-bowl-win-024938767--ncaaf.html|url-status=live}}
| us_announcers = Verne Lundquist (play-by-play)
Gary Danielson (color)
Tracy Wolfson (sideline)
}}
The Kick Six (also known as Kick Bama Kick) was the final play of the 78th Iron Bowl college football game played on November 30, 2013, at Jordan–Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. The game featured the No. 1–ranked and two-time defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide (11–0, 7–0 in the SEC) as a 10-point favorite over the No. 4-ranked Auburn Tigers (10–1, 6–1 in the SEC). The game had significant postseason implications, with both teams ranked in the top 5 and a berth to the SEC Championship Game and, potentially, the BCS National Championship Game, at stake.
After falling behind in the 2nd quarter and then again in the 4th, Auburn rallied to tie the game at 28–28 with 32 seconds remaining. After the ensuing kickoff, Alabama quickly moved to the Auburn 38-yard line, at which point the clock ran out, seemingly sending the game to overtime. Alabama coach Nick Saban challenged the timekeeping call and one second was put back on the clock after a video review. The Crimson Tide lined up for a potential game-winning 57-yard field goal and the kick was short, allowing Auburn's Chris Davis, who had been positioned near the goal line, to catch the ball just in front of the goal posts. Davis ran across the entire field through players from both teams to the opposite end zone, improbably scoring the winning touchdown for Auburn on the last play of the game.
The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 87,451 and televised nationwide on CBS, posting an 11.8 rating with over 13 million viewers during the final half-hour, making it the most watched regular season game of the 2013 college football season.{{Cite web |last=Paulsen |date=December 6, 2013 |title=CFB Week 14 Wrap: Classic "Iron Bowl" Earns Season-High 13.8M Viewers |url=https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2013/12/cfb-week-14-wrap-classic-iron-bowl-earns-season-high-13-8m-viewers/ |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=Sports Media Watch |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105192748/https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2013/12/cfb-week-14-wrap-classic-iron-bowl-earns-season-high-13-8m-viewers/ |url-status=live }} Some sportswriters have argued that Davis' return is the single greatest moment in college football history.Kick Six
- {{cite magazine |last=Vaccaro |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Vaccaro |date=November 30, 2013 |title=Auburn-Alabama is greatest ending in sports history |url=https://nypost.com/2013/11/30/an-ending-well-never-forget/ |url-status=live |magazine=The New York Post |publisher= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226182252/https://nypost.com/2013/11/30/an-ending-well-never-forget/ |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=December 2, 2013}}
- {{cite news |last1=DeMarchi |first1=John |date=December 2, 2013 |title=Is the 2013 Iron Bowl (Alabama vs. Auburn) the Most Dramatic Finish to a Football Game of All-Time? |work=Huffington Post |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/is-the-2013-iron-bowl-ala_b_4372765 |access-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025093605/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/is-the-2013-iron-bowl-ala_b_4372765 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |quote= }}
- {{cite magazine |last1=Lupica |first1=Mike |author-link=Mike Lupica |date=December 1, 2013 |title=End of Auburn vs. Alabama is one second in college football that will be talked about forever |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/lupica-auburn-alabama-talked-article-1.1533789 |magazine=New York Daily News |publisher=Tribune Publishing |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615105940/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/lupica-auburn-alabama-talked-article-1.1533789 |archive-date=June 15, 2021 |access-date=December 2, 2013}}
- {{cite news |last1=Cohen |first1=Ben |last2=Bachman |first2=Rachel |date=January 2, 2014 |title=Auburn-Alabama: Inside the Greatest Play of All |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303345104579286622672546590 |access-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730014025/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303345104579286622672546590 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live }} At the 2014 ESPY Awards, it was named the best play and the best game of the year in all of North American sports.{{Cite web |last=Zucker |first=Joseph |date=July 16, 2014 |title=ESPY 2014 Winners: Awards Results, Recap, Top Moments and Twitter Reaction |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2132323-espy-2014-winners-awards-results-recap-top-moments-and-twitter-reaction |access-date=November 9, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109184310/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2132323-espy-2014-winners-awards-results-recap-top-moments-and-twitter-reaction |url-status=live }} In the years following the game, the name "Kick Six", a variant of the term "pick-six", has been commonly used to identify both the final play and the game.
Following the game, Alabama played in the Sugar Bowl, falling to Oklahoma 45–31. Auburn won the SEC Championship Game and went on to play in the BCS National Championship Game, where they lost to Florida State, 34–31.
Background
{{see also|2013 Auburn Tigers football team|2013 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Iron Bowl}}
File:Gus Malzahn (41847127102).jpg as their head coach.]]
The football programs representing the University of Alabama and Auburn University first met in 1893 and have played every year since 1948.{{Cite web |title=Winsipedia – Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers football series history |url=http://www.winsipedia.com/alabama/vs/auburn |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=Winsipedia |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105163034/http://www.winsipedia.com/alabama/vs/auburn |url-status=live }} Over time the two in-state foes developed a rivalry (culminating every year at the Iron Bowl) that is considered to be one of the best and fiercest in all of college football.{{Cite web |title=14 for '14: Top rivalries in college football |url=https://www.nfl.com/photos/14-for-14-top-rivalries-in-college-football-0ap2000000363308 |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105163033/https://www.nfl.com/photos/14-for-14-top-rivalries-in-college-football-0ap2000000363308 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kercheval |first=Ben |title=College Football's 25 All-Time Best Rivalry Games |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2464420-college-footballs-25-all-time-best-rivalry-games |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105163034/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2464420-college-footballs-25-all-time-best-rivalry-games |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Fragoza |first=James |date=October 6, 2022 |title=Top 15 college football rivalries ranked |url=https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-college-football-rivalries-ranked/ |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=ProFootballNetwork |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105163034/https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-college-football-rivalries-ranked/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Anderson |first=Lars |title=The Iron Bowl: Alabama, Auburn and a rivalry like no other |url=https://www.si.com/college/2013/11/27/iron-bowl-rivalry |access-date=November 5, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=November 27, 2013 |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105163033/https://www.si.com/college/2013/11/27/iron-bowl-rivalry |url-status=live }} Entering the game, Alabama held the series lead with a 42-34-1 record.{{Cite web |title=Winsipedia - Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers football series history |url=https://www.winsipedia.com/alabama/vs/auburn |access-date=July 30, 2023 |website=Winsipedia |language=en |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607152834/http://www.winsipedia.com/alabama/vs/auburn |url-status=live }}
The two teams came into the 2013 season following drastically different 2012 seasons. Despite an upset at the hands of Texas A&M, Alabama ultimately finished as SEC champions after a close game against the Georgia Bulldogs and went on to soundly defeat Notre Dame 42–14 for their second consecutive national title, and their third in four years, cementing themselves as a dynasty under head coach Nick Saban.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame vs. Alabama – Game Recap – January 7, 2013 – ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/330070333 |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022010742/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/330070333 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Myerberg |first=Paul Myerberg |date=January 4, 2013 |title=Alabama stands one win away from a dynasty |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/01/04/alabama-dynasty-notre-dame-nebraska/1810259/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=USA TODAY |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204004251/https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/01/04/alabama-dynasty-notre-dame-nebraska/1810259/ |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, two years after their own National Championship victory, the Auburn Tigers suffered through their worst season in 60 years, finishing 3–9 with an 0–8 SEC record, capped by a 49–0 loss to Alabama in the 2012 Iron Bowl–their second consecutive blowout loss in the game.{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Charles |date=November 25, 2012 |title=Auburn fires Gene Chizik after four years as coach |url=https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2012/11/auburn_fires_gene_chizik_after.html |access-date=May 3, 2023 |website=al |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503012445/https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2012/11/auburn_fires_gene_chizik_after.html |url-status=live }} Head coach Gene Chizik was fired at the end of the season in favor of Arkansas State head coach and former Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.{{Cite web |last=Zenor |first=John |date=December 5, 2012 |title=Auburn hires Malzahn |url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/sports/2012/12/05/auburn-hires-malzahn/13447075007/ |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=Savannah Morning News |archive-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022010742/https://www.savannahnow.com/story/sports/2012/12/05/auburn-hires-malzahn/13447075007/ |url-status=live }}
Alabama entered the 2013 season ranked #1 and remained at the top of the polls for the entire season, rolling through their schedule with relative ease, winning all but one of their games (Texas A&M) by more than 10 points.{{Cite web |title=2013 Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/alabama/2013-schedule.html |access-date=July 30, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101171009/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/alabama/2013-schedule.html |url-status=live }} Auburn, on the other hand, entered the season unranked and did not enter the AP Poll until the midpoint of the season.{{Cite web |title=2013 Auburn Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/2013-schedule.html |access-date=July 30, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426044420/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/2013-schedule.html |url-status=live }} Auburn's season was defined by a series of come-from-behind wins and close finishes.{{Cite news |date=December 28, 2013 |title=In Miracle Season, Auburn Breaks a Machine (Published 2013) |work=The New York Times |language=en |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/28/sports/ncaafootball/in-season-of-miracles-auburn-breaks-a-machine.html |access-date=July 30, 2023 |archive-date=January 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115190619/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/28/sports/ncaafootball/in-season-of-miracles-auburn-breaks-a-machine.html |url-status=live |last1=Robertson |first1=Campbell }}{{Cite web |last=Weunch |first=Chris |date=September 9, 2015 |title=SEC Network's 'Miracles on the Plains' highlights emotional 2013 Auburn season |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/auburn-football/miracles-on-the-plains-emotional-success/ |access-date=July 30, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003022315/https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/auburn-football/miracles-on-the-plains-emotional-success/ |url-status=live }} Auburn defeated Mississippi State in September on a late touchdown pass.{{cite web|url=http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/football/2013/9/15/4732146/auburn-mississippi-state-highlights-nick-marshall-cj-uzomah|title=Auburn 24, Mississippi State 20: Highlights of the Tigers'|date=September 15, 2013|access-date=December 2, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203025429/http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/football/2013/9/15/4732146/auburn-mississippi-state-highlights-nick-marshall-cj-uzomah|url-status=live}} The following month, No. 24 Auburn came from behind on the road to beat No. 7 Texas A&M.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=332920245&period=4|title=Auburn vs. Texas A&M (Oct 19, 2013) Box Score|work=ESPN|date=October 19, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203025444/http://espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=332920245&period=4|url-status=live}} Following the victory against Texas A&M, Auburn was ranked #11 in the AP poll.{{Cite web |title=Auburn Tigers AP Poll History |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/ |access-date=December 1, 2022 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135206/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/ |url-status=live }} Two weeks before the Iron Bowl, No. 7 Auburn defeated rival Georgia with a tipped Hail Mary pass known as the "Prayer at Jordan–Hare", setting the stage for a highly ranked Iron Bowl matchup.{{Cite web |last=Stevens |first=Matthew |date=November 12, 2015 |title='Prayer at Jordan-Hare' goes down as AU's best mistake |url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburnauthority/2015/11/12/prayer-jordan-hare-goes-down-aus-best-mistake/75686202/ |access-date=July 30, 2023 |website=Montgomery Advertiser |language=en-US |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530005754/https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburnauthority/2015/11/12/prayer-jordan-hare-goes-down-aus-best-mistake/75686202/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Wolken |first=Dan |date=November 30, 2013 |title=No. 5 Auburn shocks No. 1 Alabama on game's final play |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2013/11/30/west-college-football-auburn-tigers-alabama-crimson-tide-iron-bowl/3791245/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019071141/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2013/11/30/west-college-football-auburn-tigers-alabama-crimson-tide-iron-bowl/3791245/ |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=December 1, 2013 |work=USA Today}}
Alabama was predicted by analysts to conclude the 2013–14 season with a BCS record third straight national title, their fourth in five years.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/01/sports/ncaafootball/one-second-dooms-no-1-alabama.html?_r=1&|title=One Second Dooms No. 1 Alabama|work=The New York Times|first=Mike|last=Tierney|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404174839/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/01/sports/ncaafootball/one-second-dooms-no-1-alabama.html?_r=1&|url-status=live}} The winner of the previous four Iron Bowls (2009–2012) went on to win the national championship: Alabama in 2009, 2011, and 2012, and Auburn in 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2013/11/auburn_play-by-play_announcer.html|title=Auburn play-by-play announcer Rod Bramblett ready for another momentum swing in Iron Bowl|work=The Birmingham News|first=Brandon|last=Marcello|date=November 29, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=November 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129105155/http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2013/11/auburn_play-by-play_announcer.html|url-status=live}} Entering the 2013 Iron Bowl, Alabama and Auburn were ranked No. 1 and No. 4 respectively in the BCS rankings, making it only the second matchup in the history of the rivalry to feature two Top 5 teams, and the highest-ranked Iron Bowl ever.{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/auburn-no-4-sets-top-5-iron-bowl-matchup |title=Ballot Breakdown: Iron Bowl to match top-5 teams |work=The Big Story |first=Ralph D. |last=Russo |date=November 24, 2013 |access-date=December 1, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020651/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/auburn-no-4-sets-top-5-iron-bowl-matchup |archive-date=December 3, 2013 }} It was also the first Iron Bowl in which both teams were playing for a berth to the SEC Championship. Alabama entered the game undefeated in the previous three years and 24 days in games played outside of their home field in Tuscaloosa, their last loss prior to those 18 consecutive road victories coming on November 6, 2010, at LSU.{{cite web|url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/alab-m-footbl-sched.html|title=2013–14 Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule|work=rolltide.com|date=December 2, 2013|access-date=December 2, 2013|archive-date=November 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118054159/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/alab-m-footbl-sched.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/11/sec_football_by_the_numbers_we_50.html|title=SEC Football by the Numbers: Week 12-Alabama, Auburn reach record streaks|work=The Birmingham News|first=Mark|last=Inabinett|date=November 15, 2013|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213220021/http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/11/sec_football_by_the_numbers_we_50.html|url-status=live}}
With Alabama favored by 10 points, Auburn was a decided underdog in the eyes of most analysts.{{cite web|url=http://m.lvsun.com/blogs/talking-points/2013/nov/30/college-football-odds-vegas-picks-and-preview-week/|title=College football by the odds: Vegas picks and preview of week 14|work=Las Vegas Sun|first=Case|last=Keefer|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=July 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730014120/https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/talking-points/2013/nov/30/college-football-odds-vegas-picks-and-preview-week/|url-status=live}} Marq Burnett of the Alabama based Anniston Star went as far as to list seven reasons why Auburn could not beat Alabama, including Alabama's tough run defense, perceived unstoppable offense, and the superior coaching skills of Nick Saban over Gus Malzahn.{{cite news|url=http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/24135465/article-Marq-Burnett--7-reasons-why-Alabama-will-win-Iron-Bowl?instance=secondary_stories |title=Marq Burnett: 7 reasons why Alabama will win Iron Bowl |first=Marq |last=Burnett |date=November 28, 2013 |work=The Anniston Star |access-date=January 5, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015312/http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/24135465/article-Marq-Burnett--7-reasons-why-Alabama-will-win-Iron-Bowl?instance=secondary_stories |archive-date=December 3, 2013 }} Joel Erickson of The Birmingham News was one of the few writers to pick Auburn, predicting a score of 31–28.{{cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/27/3783263/state-writers-pick-no-1-alabama.html|title=State writers pick No. 1 Alabama over No. 4 Auburn|date=November 27, 2013|work=Miami Herald|access-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204104812/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/27/3783263/state-writers-pick-no-1-alabama.html|archive-date=December 4, 2013|url-status=live}} Similar predictions were shared during ESPN's College GameDay, which was broadcast live from outside Jordan–Hare Stadium prior to the game.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1862709-espn-college-gameday-will-head-south-for-alabama-vs-auburn-iron-bowl-in-week-14|title=ESPN College GameDay Will Head South for Alabama vs. Auburn Iron Bowl in Week 14|work=Bleacher Report|first=Brian|last=Leigh|date=November 23, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=November 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127092607/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1862709-espn-college-gameday-will-head-south-for-alabama-vs-auburn-iron-bowl-in-week-14|url-status=live}} The program's panel of Kirk Herbstreit, David Pollack, and Lee Corso, as well as Paul Finebaum, unanimously picked Alabama to win the game.{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/11/lee_corso_makes_iron_bowl_pick.html|title=ESPN's Lee Corso makes Iron Bowl pick|work=The Birmingham News|first=Wesley|last=Sinor|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=November 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131130201310/http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/11/lee_corso_makes_iron_bowl_pick.html|url-status=live}} Auburn alumnus and NBA on TNT personality Charles Barkley, who appeared as a celebrity guest, went against the panel and chose Auburn to win the game.{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2013/11/charles_barkley_picks_iron_bow.html|title=Charles Barkley picks Iron Bowl winner, says Auburn on cusp of 'greatest season' in school history|work=The Birmingham News|first=Brandon|last=Marcello|date=November 27, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=November 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131130023501/http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2013/11/charles_barkley_picks_iron_bow.html|url-status=live}}
Game recap
File:Nick Marshall in 2015 Outback Bowl (cropped).jpg scored the games first points on a 45-yard touchdown run. ]]
=First quarter=
The game began with Auburn's Cody Parkey kicking off to Alabama's Christion Jones, who returned the kick to the Alabama 24-yard line. On the game's first play from scrimmage, Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon ran for 31 yards into Auburn territory. Alabama then drove to the Auburn 26-yard line before Yeldon was stopped on 3rd and 2. On 4th down, Cade Foster attempted a 44-yard field goal for the Tide, but narrowly missed left.{{cite web |date=November 30, 2013 |title=Alabama vs. Auburn (Nov 30, 2013) Box Score |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=333340002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015435/https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=333340002 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=December 1, 2013 |url-status=live |work=ESPN}} On Auburn's first offensive snap Corey Grant would run for 14 yards to the Auburn 42-yard line. The Tigers drive would soon stall out, with Ricardo Louis dropping a slightly off target deep pass on 3rd down, forcing a punt. Alabama was then held to seven yards, going three-and-out. After getting the ball back, Auburn's offense moved down the field with a seven-play, 66-yard drive capped off by a 45-yard touchdown run by quarterback Nick Marshall to give Auburn a 7–0 lead. It was the Tigers' first offensive touchdown against Alabama since 2010.{{cite web|url=http://alabama.scout.com/2/1352422.html|title=McCarron Continues Record Assault|work=Scout.com|first=Kirk|last=McNair|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206113624/http://alabama.scout.com/2/1352422.html|archive-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=dead}} On the ensuing drive, Alabama again went three-and-out and punted. Auburn's offensive spark was short-lived as the Tigers gained just 8 yards on their next drive and were forced to punt the ball back to Alabama. The quarter ended with Auburn leading 7–0.
=Second quarter=
Following a slow start in the first quarter, Alabama stormed back quickly with an 11-play, 67-yard touchdown drive culminating with an A.J. McCarron touchdown pass to Jalston Fowler to tie the game 7–7. On the next drive, Landon Collins forced and recovered a fumble of Auburn running back Tre Mason, giving the Tide the ball back with favorable field position. Alabama capitalized on the turnover with McCarron throwing his second touchdown pass of the quarter, this time to Kevin Norwood to make the score 14–7. The Tigers' woes continued on the following drive, losing 9 yards, going three and out, and punting the ball back to the Tide. Alabama took just five plays to drive the length of the field with Yeldon scoring on a 1-yard rush to move the score to 21–7 in favor of Alabama. On the following drive, the Auburn offense came back to life with a 40-yard Tre Mason rush sparking an 81-yard drive ending in a touchdown run by Mason to cut the deficit to 21–14 in favor of Alabama at halftime.
=Third quarter=
Under Saban, Alabama had a record of 73–3 when leading at halftime. Auburn received the kickoff in the second half and drove 69 yards to tie the game 21–21 on a C.J. Uzomah touchdown reception. On the following drive Alabama failed to gain a yard and punted the ball back to Auburn. Auburn drove into Alabama territory before stalling out and punting, downing the punt at the Alabama 1-yard line. On their first two plays of the drive, Alabama would gain just one yard. Facing a 3rd and 9 from their own 2-yard line, McCarron found Amari Cooper for a 54-yard completion to extend the drive. Alabama then drove to the Auburn 22, where on 1st down, McCarron threw to a streaking Cooper in the end zone but Cooper dropped the would-be touchdown. Following the drop Alabama picked up another first down to reach the Auburn 11-yard line as the quarter came to the a close.
=Fourth quarter=
File:AJ McCarron 2010-11-26.jpg
Alabama's drive came to a halt following two incomplete passes and a false start penalty that moved the offense back five yards, nullifying the first successful field goal attempt of the game.{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2013/12/the_13_reasons_alabama_lost_th.html|title=The 13 reasons Alabama lost the Iron Bowl, some obvious, others more subtle|work=The Birmingham News|first=Michael|last=Casagrande|date=December 1, 2013|access-date=December 2, 2013|archive-date=December 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201232109/http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2013/12/the_13_reasons_alabama_lost_th.html|url-status=live}} The Crimson Tide then missed their second field goal of the game. Later in the quarter another Auburn punt was downed at the Alabama 1-yard line. McCarron then threw a 99-yard touchdown pass to Cooper, giving Alabama a 28–21 lead with 10:28 remaining in the game. It was the longest pass play in Crimson Tide football history. On the next drive Auburn faced a 4th and 1 on their own 35-yard line. Marshall kept the ball on a read option play but failed to gain the yard needed, and Auburn turned the ball over on downs. Alabama started the ensuing drive with excellent field position, and was soon faced with a 4th and 1 on the Auburn 13-yard line. Rather than attempting a short field goal, Nick Saban elected to try and go for a touchdown on 4th down, likely due to the two missed field goals by Cade Foster earlier in the game. On the 4th-down try, Yeldon was stopped at the line of scrimmage by true freshman defensive end Carl Lawson and Alabama, like Auburn on the previous drive, turned the ball over on downs. Auburn started the next drive deep in their own territory, and following a sack, were faced with a 3rd and 19. On 3rd down, Ricardo Louis broke free downfield, but Marshall's pass was slightly overthrown, falling incomplete off of Louis's fingertips, forcing the Tigers to punt. Following a 25-yard punt return by Christion Jones, Alabama once again started a drive deep in Auburn territory with a chance to take a two-possession lead, this time at the 25-yard line. Alabama went three-and-out before Foster had his 44-yard field goal blocked, his third missed field goal of the game. Auburn got the ball off the blocked field goal trailing 28-21 with 2:41 left in the game, and drove to the Alabama 39-yard line in six plays.
==Final 32 seconds==
File:Chris Davis (cornerback).JPG
With 32 seconds remaining, Nick Marshall scrambled to his left. As he was nearing the line of scrimmage, Alabama corner Ha Ha Clinton-Dix ran toward Marshall to attempt a tackle, leaving receiver Sammie Coates open; Marshall quickly tossed the ball to Coates just before crossing the line of scrimmage for a game-tying 39-yard touchdown.{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2013/12/the_13_reasons_alabama_lost_th.html|title=The 13 reasons Alabama lost the Iron Bowl, some obvious, others more subtle|work=The Birmingham News|first=Michael|last=Casagrande|date=December 1, 2013|access-date=December 4, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203201211/http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2013/12/the_13_reasons_alabama_lost_th.html|url-status=live}} On the ensuing possession, with seven seconds left in the game, Alabama ran to Auburn's 38-yard line as T. J. Yeldon was knocked out of bounds by defensive back Chris Davis while the game clock expired. Saban argued to the referees that Yeldon had stepped out of bounds with one second left in regulation. Saban's argument was validated by the instant replay officials, who put one second back on the clock. Rather than take a knee and go to overtime, Alabama attempted to win the game with a 57-yard field goal, this time with freshman Adam Griffith taking the kick instead of the struggling Foster. Before the kick, Auburn took a timeout in an attempt to ice the kicker.{{cite web|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/auburn-539502-alabama-tigers.html|title=Auburn stuns No. 1 Alabama on final play|work=Orange County Register|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005239/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/auburn-539502-alabama-tigers.html|url-status=live}} Auburn's defensive coordinator, Ellis Johnson, doubted Alabama would make the long field goal and suggested that a speedy player stand in the end zone with the potential to return a missed field goal.{{cite web|url=http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120113aaa.html|title=Ellis Johnson's Idea Pays Off in a Big Way in Auburn Victory|work=AuburnTigers.com|first=Phillip|last=Marshall|date=December 1, 2013|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=December 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217230338/http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120113aaa.html|url-status=dead}} Malzahn then put Chris Davis, who doubled as Auburn's punt returner, in the end zone for the return in the event of a miss.{{cite web |last=McGuire |first=Kevin |date=November 30, 2013 |title=Auburn returns field goal for SEC West clinching TD, hands Alabama first loss |url=http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/30/auburn-returns-field-goal-for-sec-west-clinching-td-hands-alabama-first-loss/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813021424/https://collegefootball.nbcsports.com/2013/11/30/auburn-returns-field-goal-for-sec-west-clinching-td-hands-alabama-first-loss/ |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=December 1, 2013 |work=NBC Sports}} As the field goal attempt fell short, Davis fielded the ball nine yards deep in the end zone and ran down the left sideline.{{cite web |date=November 30, 2013 |title=No. 4 Auburn beats No. 1 Alabama on rare play |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/no-4-auburn-beats-no-032646253--ncaaf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106205006/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/no-4-auburn-beats-no-032646253--ncaaf.html |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |access-date=December 1, 2014 |publisher=Yahoo |agency=Associated Press}} Due to Alabama's field goal unit being made up mostly of heavy offensive linemen, and strong blocking by Auburn, Davis ran untouched all the way to the opposite end zone as time expired to win the game 34–28, causing Auburn fans to storm the field in celebration.{{Cite web |last=Pekale |first=Zach |date=November 27, 2019 |title=The Kick Six, through the eyes of Auburn's special-teams players {{!}} NCAA.com |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2019-11-25/kick-six-through-eyes-auburns-special-teams-players |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=NCAA.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=Eric |date=November 27, 2015 |title=49ers' Chris Davis aims to be known for more than 'Kick 6' |url=https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-Davis-aims-to-be-known-for-more-than-6660463.php |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=SFGATE}}
The crowd reaction during the games final play registered on seismographs across the state of Alabama, in a manner similar to activity registered during the 1988 Auburn–LSU "Earthquake Game".{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Jeremy |date=December 4, 2013 |title=Iron Bowl Earthquake? 'Suspicious' seismic activity registered Saturday as far away as Huntsville correlates to Auburn's last-second Iron Bowl touchdown |url=https://www.thewareaglereader.com/2013/12/iron-bowl-earthquake-suspicious-seismic-activity-registered-saturday-as-far-away-as-huntsville-correlates-to-auburns-last-second-touchdown-to-beat-alabama/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604063929/http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2013/12/iron-bowl-earthquake-suspicious-seismic-activity-registered-saturday-as-far-away-as-huntsville-correlates-to-auburns-last-second-touchdown-to-beat-alabama/ |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |access-date=July 30, 2023 |website=The War Eagle Reader |language=en-US}}
Scoring summary
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart
| VisitorName = Alabama
| HomeName = Auburn
| state = expanded
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter = 1
| Time = 5:05
| Team = Auburn
| DrivePlays = 7
| DriveLength = 66
| DriveTime = 3:26
| Type = RushTD
| Runner = Nick Marshall
| yards = 45
| kickresult = good
| Kicker = Cody Parkey
| Visitor = 0
| Home = 7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter = 2
| Time = 11:00
| Team = Alabama
| DrivePlays = 11
| DriveLength = 67
| DriveTime = 4:33
| Type = RecTD
| Receiver = Jalston Fowler
| QB = A. J. McCarron
| yards = 3
| kickresult = good
| Kicker = Cade Foster
| Visitor = 7
| Home = 7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter = 2
| Time = 7:12
| Team = Alabama
| DrivePlays = 4
| DriveLength = 36
| DriveTime = 1:57
| Type = RecTD
| Receiver = Kevin Norwood
| QB = A. J. McCarron
| yards = 20
| kickresult = good
| Kicker = Cade Foster
| Visitor = 14
| Home = 7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter = 2
| Time = 3:48
| Team = Alabama
| DrivePlays = 5
| DriveLength = 56
| DriveTime = 1:41
| Type = RushTD
| Runner = T. J. Yeldon
| yards = 1
| kickresult = good
| Kicker = Cade Foster
| Visitor = 21
| Home = 7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter = 2
| Time = 1:40
| Team = Auburn
| DrivePlays = 7
| DriveLength = 81
| DriveTime = 2:08
| Type = RushTD
| Runner = Tre Mason
| yards = 1
| kickresult = good
| Kicker = Cody Parkey
| Visitor = 21
| Home = 14
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter = 3
| Time = 11:56
| Team = Auburn
| DrivePlays = 9
| DriveLength = 69
| DriveTime = 3:04
| Type = RecTD
| Receiver = C. J. Uzomah
| QB = Nick Marshall
| yards = 13
| kickresult = good
| Kicker = Cody Parkey
| Visitor = 21
| Home = 21
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter = 4
| Time = 10:28
| Team = Alabama
| DrivePlays = 1
| DriveLength = 99
| DriveTime = 0:14
| Type = RecTD
| Receiver = Amari Cooper
| QB = A. J. McCarron
| yards = 99
| kickresult = good
| Kicker = Cade Foster
| Visitor = 28
| Home = 21
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter = 4
| Time = 0:32
| Team = Auburn
| DrivePlays = 7
| DriveLength = 65
| DriveTime = 2:00
| Type = RecTD
| Receiver = Sammie Coates
| QB = Nick Marshall
| yards = 39
| kickresult = good
| Kicker = Cody Parkey
| Visitor = 28
| Home = 28
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter = 4
| Time = 0:00
| Team = Auburn
| DrivePlays = –
| DriveLength = –
| DriveTime = –
| Type = Other
| Other = Chris Davis 109-yard kick return for a touchdown
| Visitor = 28
| Home = 34
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd
| Visitor = 28
| Home = 34
}}
Broadcaster calls
Commentators Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson called the game on television nationally for CBS's SEC coverage.
Lundquist's call of the last play:
{{cquote|On the way... No! Returned by Chris Davis. Davis goes left, Davis gets a block, Davis has another block! Chris Davis! No flags! Touchdown, Auburn! An answered prayer!{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18gnWbgmLMU|title=Alabama vs Auburn 2013 Chris Davis 109 Yard Game Winning Missed Field Goal Return|website=YouTube|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 2, 2013|archive-date=December 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201104505/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18gnWbgmLMU&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}
}}
Gary Danielson later compared the game to the legendary Miracle on Ice, equating Auburn's upset of Alabama to the amateur USA hockey team defeating the powerhouse Soviet Union team during the 1980 Winter Olympics.{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/12/cbs_analyst_gary_danielson_com.html|title=CBS analyst Gary Danielson commpares Auburn's Iron Bowl victory to Miracle on Ice|work=The Birmingham News|first=Brandon|last=Marcello|date=December 3, 2013|access-date=December 4, 2013|archive-date=December 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206001019/http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/12/cbs_analyst_gary_danielson_com.html|url-status=live}} In a 2020 interview, Lundquist called the play the greatest sporting moment he ever witnessed.{{Cite web |last=Heim |first=Mark |date=May 20, 2020 |title=Verne Lundquist: Kick 6 'greatest finish in any sporting event,' and the confession about the call |url=https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2020/05/verne-lundquist-kick-6-greatest-finish-in-any-sporting-event-and-the-confession-about-the-call.html |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=al |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105165949/https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2020/05/verne-lundquist-kick-6-greatest-finish-in-any-sporting-event-and-the-confession-about-the-call.html |url-status=live }}
Commentators Rod Bramblett and Stan White called the game on radio for the Auburn IMG Sports Network.
Bramblett's call of the last play:
{{cquote|All right, here we go. 56-yarder, it's got—no, does not have the legs. And Chris Davis takes it in the back of the end zone. He'll run it out to the 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 45—There goes Davis! Davis is gonna run it all the way back! Auburn's gonna win the football game! Auburn's gonna win the football game! He ran the missed field goal back! He ran it back 109 yards! They're not gonna keep 'em off the field tonight! Holy cow! Oh, my God! Auburn wins! Auburn has won the Iron Bowl! Auburn has won the Iron Bowl in the most unbelievable fashion you will ever see! I cannot believe it! 34–28! And we thought 'A Miracle in Jordan-Hare' was amazing! Oh, my Lord in Heaven! Chris Davis just ran it 109 yards, and Auburn is going to the championship game!{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GKmkD1pUG0|title=#Auburn's Final Play in Iron Bowl: Chris Davis Return for TD|website=YouTube|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 2, 2013|archive-date=December 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201110938/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GKmkD1pUG0&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}
}}Bramblett's passionate call of the final play quickly went viral, garnering him national media attention and resulted in Bramblett being named the Sports Broadcaster of the Year by Sports Illustrated.{{Cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Justin |title=As Auburn's one-man soundtrack, Rod Bramblett was the backdrop of the school's biggest moments |work=The New York Times |url=https://theathletic.com/995605/2019/05/26/auburn-broadcaster-rod-bramblett-car-accident/ |access-date=November 4, 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2013 |title='Men kissing in the booth': Rod Bramblett's radio call of the final play of the Iron Bowl gets five minutes on 'Fox & Friends' |url=https://www.thewareaglereader.com/2013/12/men-kissing-in-the-booth-rod-brambletts-radio-call-of-the-final-play-of-the-iron-bowl-gets-five-minutes-on-fox-friends/ |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=The War Eagle Reader |language=en-US}} The call has since been assessed as one of the greatest announcer calls in recent sports history, being described by the New York Times as "the Call of a Lifetime".{{Cite web |last=Sallee |first=Barrett |date=May 26, 2019 |title=Legendary announcer Rod Bramblett was an Auburn man and the voice of the fan |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/legendary-announcer-rod-bramblett-was-an-auburn-man-and-the-voice-of-the-fan/ |access-date=November 4, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=McDermott |first=Grace |date=July 28, 2022 |title=The best sports calls of the 21st century |url=https://deadspin.com/the-best-sports-calls-of-the-21st-century-1849344996 |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=Deadspin |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105163034/https://deadspin.com/the-best-sports-calls-of-the-21st-century-1849344996 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=Joseph |date=May 26, 2019 |title=Kick Six call forever binds Rod Bramlett and Auburn |url=https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2019/05/kick-six-call-forever-binds-rod-bramlett-to-auburn-and-college-football-history.html |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=al |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105163033/https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2019/05/kick-six-call-forever-binds-rod-bramlett-to-auburn-and-college-football-history.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Sandomir |first=Richard |date=December 3, 2013 |title=Auburn Announcer Has the Call of a Lifetime, Twice in One Month |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/03/sports/ncaafootball/auburn-announcer-has-the-call-of-a-lifetime-twice-in-one-month.html |access-date=November 4, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}
Statistics
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
| class="wikitable" | ||
| Statistic
!style="{{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=0}}"|Alabama !style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Auburn Tigers|border=0}}"|Auburn | ||
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 19 | 22 |
| Third down efficiency | 4–13 | 8–15 |
| Fourth down efficiency | 1–2 | 0–1 |
| Total yards | 495 | 393 |
| Rushing attempts–net yards | 35–218 | 52–296 |
| Yards per rush | 5.2 | 5.7 |
| Yards passing | 277 | 97 |
| Pass completions–attempts | 17–29 | 11–16 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 0 |
| Fumbles–lost | 0–0 | 1–1 |
| Penalties–yards | 6–45 | 3–21 |
| Time of possession | 30:40 | 28:40 |
{{col-3}}
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" | |||
| colspan="6" style="{{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=0}}"|Crimson Tide passing | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| scope="col"|
!scope="col"|{{abbr|C–A|Completions–Attempts}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|TD–INT|Passing touchdowns–Interceptions thrown}} | |||
| A.J. McCarron | 17–29 | 277 | 3–0 |
| colspan="6" style="{{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=0}}"|Crimson Tide rushing | |||
| scope="col"|
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Car|Carries}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} | |||
| T.J. Yeldon | 26 | 141 | 1 |
| Kenyan Drake | 4 | 33 | 0 |
| Amari Cooper | 1 | 28 | 0 |
| A.J. McCarron | 4 | 16 | 0 |
| colspan="6" style="{{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide|border=0}}"|Crimson Tide receiving | |||
| scope="col"|
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Rec|Receptions}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|Yds|Receiving yards}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|TD|Receiving touchdowns}} | |||
| Amari Cooper | 6 | 178 | 1 |
| Kevin Norwood | 3 | 45 | 1 |
| O.J. Howard | 2 | 23 | 0 |
| DeAndrew White | 2 | 13 | 0 |
| T.J. Yeldon | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| Jalston Fowler | 1 | 3 | 0 |
{{col-3}}
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" | |||
| colspan="6" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Auburn Tigers|border=0}}"|Tigers passing | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| scope="col"|
!scope="col"|{{abbr|C–A|Completions–Attempts}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|TD–INT|Passing touchdowns–Interceptions thrown}} | |||
| Nick Marshall | 11–16 | 97 | 2–0 |
| colspan="6" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Auburn Tigers|border=0}}"|Tigers rushing | |||
| scope="col"|
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Car|Carries}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} | |||
| Tre Mason | 29 | 164 | 1 |
| Nick Marshall | 17 | 99 | 1 |
| Corey Grant | 4 | 28 | 0 |
| Cameron Artis-Payne | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| colspan="6" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Auburn Tigers|border=0}}"|Tigers receiving | |||
| scope="col"|
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Rec|Receptions}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|Yds|Receiving yards}} !scope="col"|{{abbr|TD|Receiving touchdowns}} | |||
| Sammie Coates | 2 | 60 | 1 |
| C.J. Uzomah | 2 | 22 | 1 |
| Quan Bray | 3 | 14 | 0 |
| Cameron Artis-Payne | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Ricardo Louis | 2 | −1 | 0 |
| Corey Grant | 1 | −2 | 0 |
{{col-end}}
{{clear}}
Aftermath
Auburn's win not only ended Alabama's bid for a third straight national title, but moved Auburn to third in the BCS standings.{{Cite web |title=2022 College Football Rankings for Week 10 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/15 |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=ESPN |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105165949/https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/15 |url-status=live }} The Tigers beat Missouri 59–42 in the SEC Championship Game. After #2 Ohio State's loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game,{{Cite web |title=Ohio State vs. Michigan State – Game Recap – December 7, 2013 – ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/333410127 |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105165948/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/333410127 |url-status=live }} Auburn moved into second place in the BCS and secured a place in the BCS National Championship Game, where they ultimately lost to the Florida State Seminoles 34–31. Auburn's loss to Florida State ended the SEC's streak of seven consecutive national championship victories.{{Cite web |title=2022 College Football Rankings for Week 10 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/16 |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=ESPN |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105165948/https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/16 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Wunderlich |first=David |date=January 7, 2014 |title=Saying Goodbye to the SEC's Championship Streak |url=https://www.teamspeedkills.com/2014/1/7/5283694/saying-goodbye-to-the-secs-national-championship-streak |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=Team Speed Kills |archive-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022024249/https://www.teamspeedkills.com/2014/1/7/5283694/saying-goodbye-to-the-secs-national-championship-streak |url-status=live }} At the conclusion of the season, Auburn's Gus Malzahn won the SEC Coach of the Year award{{Cite web |last=Low |first=Chris |date=December 9, 2013 |title=Mason, Sam pick up top SEC honors |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/76319/mason-sam-pick-up-top-sec-honors |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105165948/https://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/76319/mason-sam-pick-up-top-sec-honors |url-status=live }} and received a six-year contract extension worth $3.85m per year.{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2013 |title=Auburn coach Malzahn gets raise, extension |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10093182/auburn-tigers-coach-gus-malzahn-gets-raise-extension |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105165949/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10093182/auburn-tigers-coach-gus-malzahn-gets-raise-extension |url-status=live }} Alabama's A.J. McCarron and Auburn's Tre Mason were 2013 Heisman Trophy finalists with McCarron finishing 2nd and Mason finishing 6th.
Immediately following the game, some sportswriters began describing the game as among the greatest in college football history, with Davis's return being described as one of the sport's greatest moments.{{cite web |last=Bacon |first=John |date=December 2, 2013 |title=Auburn-Alabama: The Greatest Play in College Football History? |url=http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/12/02/auburn-alabama-game |url-status=dead |access-date=December 2, 2013 |work=Here&Now |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203130733/http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/12/02/auburn-alabama-game }}{{cite web |last=Vaccaro |first=Mike |date=November 30, 2013 |title=Auburn-Alabama is greatest ending in sports history |url=https://nypost.com/2013/11/30/an-ending-well-never-forget/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226182252/https://nypost.com/2013/11/30/an-ending-well-never-forget/ |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=December 2, 2013 |work=New York Post}}{{cite web |last=DeMarchi |first=John |date=December 2, 2013 |title=Is the 2013 Iron Bowl (Alabama vs. Auburn) the Most Dramatic Finish to a Football Game of All-Time? |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/quora/is-the-2013-iron-bowl-ala_b_4372765.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025093605/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/is-the-2013-iron-bowl-ala_b_4372765 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |access-date=December 2, 2013 |work=Huffington Post}} Pat Forde, then a columnist for Yahoo! Sports, stated that:
It was, quite simply, the most astounding ending ever to a college football game. I was at the Boise State–Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl in 2007; this tops it. More at stake, and even more shock value on the final play (minus the player proposing to his girlfriend on the field).{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf--iron-bowl-chris-davis-jr-return-lifts-auburn-over-alabama-into-college-football-lore-043127433.html |title=Miracle men: Chris Davis' return lifts Auburn over Alabama and into college football lore |first=Pat |last=Forde |author-link=Pat Forde |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=November 30, 2013 |access-date=December 12, 2013 |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215191212/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf--iron-bowl-chris-davis-jr-return-lifts-auburn-over-alabama-into-college-football-lore-043127433.html |url-status=live }}An article in USA Today described the back-to-back victories with the analogy that lightning struck twice, with the Georgia game being "one of the greatest finishes to a college football game" and the Alabama upset "perhaps the greatest play in college football history". The Birmingham News called the Auburn victory their "latest miracle finish ... even more stunning than the first" while the News & Record described the game as "possibly the greatest college football game ever played."{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2013/11/alabama_iron_bowl_game_story.html|title=Kicked out: Alanama's undefeated season ends on another Auburn miracle|work=The Birmingham News|first=Andrew|last=Gribble|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203101940/http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2013/11/alabama_iron_bowl_game_story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.news-record.com/blogs/hardin_hard_n_fast/article_3a5f99ec-5a46-11e3-b40e-001a4bcf6878.html|title=Kick Bama, Kick|work=News & Record|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=July 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730014036/https://greensboro.com/blogs/hardin_hard_n_fast/article_3a5f99ec-5a46-11e3-b40e-001a4bcf6878.html|url-status=live}} In 2015, college football fans voted the final play the greatest in college football history.{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2015 |title=Fans vote Auburn's Kick Six greatest CFB play of all time |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/fans-vote-auburn-s-kick-six-greatest-cfb-play-of-all-time-0ap3000000500430 |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105163032/https://www.nfl.com/news/fans-vote-auburn-s-kick-six-greatest-cfb-play-of-all-time-0ap3000000500430 |url-status=live }} At the 2014 ESPY Awards, which recognized the greatest achievements sporting achievements in 2013, the game won the award for Best Game.{{cite news |date=July 16, 2014 |title=ESPYs 2014: The Winners |work=Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/espys-2014-winners-719169 |access-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031034406/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/espys-2014-winners-719169 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Moraski |first=Lauren |date=July 17, 2014 |title=ESPY Awards 2014 winners and top moments |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/espy-awards-2014-winners-and-top-moments/ |access-date=July 18, 2014 |work=CBSNews |archive-date=July 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719044906/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/espy-awards-2014-winners-and-top-moments/ |url-status=live }} The game-winning touchdown return was also named Best Play at the ESPYs, beating out three other nominees including Auburn's Prayer at Jordan-Hare against Georgia.
=Naming the game=
After the game, the press identified Alabama's Achilles' heel: the kicking game. In reference to their four unsuccessful field goal attempts, writers called the game "Kick Bama Kick", in reference to the 1972 Iron Bowl, nicknamed "Punt Bama Punt".{{cite web |last=Black |first=Ryan |date=November 30, 2013 |title=Kick, Bama, kick: Auburn stuns Alabama to win Iron Bowl |url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2013/11/30/2830054/alabama-leads-iron-bowl-at-halftime.html |url-status=dead |access-date=December 1, 2013 |work=Ledger-Enquirer |archive-date=December 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201011107/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2013/11/30/2830054/alabama-leads-iron-bowl-at-halftime.html }} At 6:43 p.m., just 18 minutes after of the conclusion of the game, Jon Solomon of The Birmingham News posted an article titled "Kick Bama Kick", but included an online poll allowing readers to select their favorite moniker.{{cite web |last=Solomon |first=Jon |date=November 30, 2013 |title=Kick Bama Kick: Name Chris Davis' stunning Iron Bowl touchdown |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/11/kick_bama_kick_name_chris_davi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813021104/https://www.al.com/sports/2013/11/kick_bama_kick_name_chris_davi.html |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=December 1, 2013 |work=The Birmingham News}} Among seven proposed titles, "Kick Bama Kick" won by a landslide. Ryan Black of the Ledger–Enquirer in Columbus, Georgia titled an article "Kick, Bama, kick" within hours of the game's completion. Frank Cooney of Yahoo! Sports, who noted that the game will be "forever secured" in the discussion for the most dramatic college football game in history, also titled his piece "Kick Bama Kick" that evening.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/iron-bowls-name-game-kick-035213596--ncaaf.html|title=Iron Bowl's name game: Kick Bama Kick!|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|first=Frank|last=Cooney|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=December 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204044359/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/iron-bowls-name-game-kick-035213596--ncaaf.html|url-status=live}} In the years following the game, the "Kick Six" has emerged as the most enduring name for the game, used by most media outlets, Auburn, and the NCAA to refer to both the play and the game.{{Cite web |last=Rawlins |first=Melissa |date=October 16, 2019 |title=The Pix of "Kick Six": Saluting College Football 150 With ESPN Images' Fabulous Photogs |url=https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2019/10/the-pix-of-kick-six-saluting-college-football-150-with-espn-images-fabulous-photogs/ |access-date=February 11, 2023 |website=ESPN Front Row |archive-date=February 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211160837/https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2019/10/the-pix-of-kick-six-saluting-college-football-150-with-espn-images-fabulous-photogs/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Pekale |first=Zach |date=November 27, 2019 |title=The Kick Six, through the eyes of Auburn's special-teams players {{!}} NCAA.com |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2019-11-25/kick-six-through-eyes-auburns-special-teams-players |access-date=February 11, 2023 |website=www.ncaa.com |archive-date=February 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211160837/https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2019-11-25/kick-six-through-eyes-auburns-special-teams-players |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2015 |title=Kick Six: The play, the call, live on in Auburn history |url=https://auburntigers.com/news/2015/11/26/kick_six_the_play_the_call_live_on_in_auburn_history.aspx |access-date=February 11, 2023 |website=Auburn University Athletics |archive-date=February 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211160837/https://auburntigers.com/news/2015/11/26/kick_six_the_play_the_call_live_on_in_auburn_history.aspx |url-status=live }}
The term "Kick Six" has since been used to refer to other instances of blocked or missed field goals being returned for a touchdown, as in an NFL game on November 30, 2015, by the Baltimore Ravens against the Cleveland Browns.{{cite news|title=Five things on the 'Kick Six' that led to Browns' latest defeat|url=https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/11/30/9825230/ravens-browns-kick-six-will-hill-monday-night-football|access-date=January 13, 2016|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111121518/http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/11/30/9825230/ravens-browns-kick-six-will-hill-monday-night-football|url-status=live}} The term is a play on the term "pick six", which refers to an interception being returned for a touchdown.
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=333340002 ESPN box score of the 2013 Iron Bowl]
- {{cite web |title=The Kick Six, Auburn's Iron Bowl miracle vs. Alabama, deserves a deep rewind |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jet8D_pMsg&list=PLUXSZMIiUfFT6WwhB2Sk2gqz7agE9FlLg&index=24 |work=SB Nation |date=November 20, 2018 |via=YouTube }}
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR7s2m5Z5GA 2013 Iron Bowl ending HIGH DEFINITION Auburn beats Alabam]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3vpETRvaNU 2013 Iron Bowl – #1 Alabama vs. #4 Auburn (HD)]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v1EVSn95yk Auburn vs. Alabama 2013 – Winning TD (Auburn Announcers)]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GKmkD1pUG0 #Auburn's Final Play in Iron Bowl: Chris Davis Return for TD]
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