I would argue that 2009 and 2013 were the most important Iron Bowls of the Saban era.
In 2009, we were undefeated, ranked #2, and on a collision course to meet #1 Florida for the SEC Championship and eventual trip to the BCS Championship Game. Auburn was overmatched but played lights out and controlled the game most of the way. Alabama passed the test with a gutsy fourth quarter drive featuring lots of McElroy-to-Jones passing, and then survived an Auburn "Hail Mary" into the end zone as time expired. This win and the next two against Florida and Texas brought the first national title to Tuscaloosa in 17 years and ushered in the Saban dynasty at Alabama.
In 2013, we were undefeated, ranked #1, and the two-time defending National Champion. We were driving toward college football history and immortality as the first and only school to win three straight titles. Auburn was also undefeated and ranked #3. The winner would advance to the SEC Championship Game with a chance at a BCS title. It's no exaggeration to say it was the biggest Iron Bowl ever (with 1971 a close second, although Nebraska and Oklahoma were clearly the two best teams in the country that year), and we blew it. The kicking game imploded, the defense could hold Auburn at crucial times, and the offense couldn't make a yard on 4th down when it mattered most.
Se we've split the two most important Iron Bowls so far in the Saban era. I think this one ranks 3rd in terms of importance (and will nudge the 2010 game out of its current spot at #3).
For what it's worth, in terms of overall stakes and national significance, here is my list of all-time most important Iron Bowls in my lifetime (i.e., since 1968):
1. 2013
2. 1971
3. 2009
4. 2014
5. 2010
6. 1989
So we need to win this week to even the record at 3-3 in these games!!
In 2009, we were undefeated, ranked #2, and on a collision course to meet #1 Florida for the SEC Championship and eventual trip to the BCS Championship Game. Auburn was overmatched but played lights out and controlled the game most of the way. Alabama passed the test with a gutsy fourth quarter drive featuring lots of McElroy-to-Jones passing, and then survived an Auburn "Hail Mary" into the end zone as time expired. This win and the next two against Florida and Texas brought the first national title to Tuscaloosa in 17 years and ushered in the Saban dynasty at Alabama.
In 2013, we were undefeated, ranked #1, and the two-time defending National Champion. We were driving toward college football history and immortality as the first and only school to win three straight titles. Auburn was also undefeated and ranked #3. The winner would advance to the SEC Championship Game with a chance at a BCS title. It's no exaggeration to say it was the biggest Iron Bowl ever (with 1971 a close second, although Nebraska and Oklahoma were clearly the two best teams in the country that year), and we blew it. The kicking game imploded, the defense could hold Auburn at crucial times, and the offense couldn't make a yard on 4th down when it mattered most.
Se we've split the two most important Iron Bowls so far in the Saban era. I think this one ranks 3rd in terms of importance (and will nudge the 2010 game out of its current spot at #3).
For what it's worth, in terms of overall stakes and national significance, here is my list of all-time most important Iron Bowls in my lifetime (i.e., since 1968):
1. 2013
2. 1971
3. 2009
4. 2014
5. 2010
6. 1989
So we need to win this week to even the record at 3-3 in these games!!