The 90th installment of the Iron Bowl just wrapped up, and honestly, if you turned your TV off at halftime, you missed an entirely different game. People are still buzzing about the final Alabama vs Auburn score because it looked like a blowout early on, only to turn into a complete heart-stopper in the fourth quarter.
The No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide managed to escape the Plains with a 27-20 victory over the Auburn Tigers on November 29, 2025. This wasn't just a win; it was Alabama’s sixth straight victory in this series, marking a period of dominance we haven't seen since the Bear Bryant era. But the scoreboard doesn't tell the whole story of how close Auburn came to ruining Bama’s season.
How the 27-20 Alabama vs Auburn Score Went Down
Alabama came out swinging. Ty Simpson, who has been under the microscope all season, looked like he was playing a video game in the first half. He targeted Isaiah Horton almost exclusively in the red zone, and it worked every single time.
By the time the second quarter was halfway through, Alabama was sitting on a comfortable 17-0 lead. It felt like the air had been sucked out of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn's offense, led by Ashton Daniels, was spinning its wheels with three straight three-and-outs to start the night.
But this is the Iron Bowl. Things never stay quiet for long.
Auburn managed to scrap together two field goals from Alex McPherson before the half, cutting it to 17-6. That felt like a "moral victory" at the time, but it actually set the stage for a wild second half that nearly flipped the script on the CFP rankings.
The Simpson-Horton Connection
If you're looking for the MVP, it’s Isaiah Horton. He caught three touchdowns. All three came from Ty Simpson.
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- A 6-yarder in the first quarter to set the tone.
- A 3-yarder in the second to extend the lead.
- The game-winner: a 6-yard pass on 4th-and-2 with 3:50 left in the game.
That last one was a massive gamble by Kalen DeBoer. Most coaches would have kicked the field goal to go up by three. Instead, DeBoer went for the throat. Simpson found Horton in traffic, and that's what ultimately decided the Alabama vs Auburn score.
Why Auburn Fans Are Frustrated (And They Should Be)
If you look at the stat sheet, you'd think Auburn won. It’s kinda weird, right?
- Total Yards: Auburn 411, Alabama 280
- Passing Yards: Auburn 259, Alabama 122
- First Downs: Auburn 20, Alabama 18
Ashton Daniels was a dual-threat nightmare, racking up 108 yards on the ground and another 259 through the air. Malcolm Simmons was making plays left and right, including a massive 64-yard touchdown catch that brought Auburn within four points early in the third.
The Tigers actually tied the game 20-20 in the fourth quarter after a 2-yard plunge by Jeremiah Cobb. The stadium was shaking. It felt like "Punt Bama Punt" or the "Kick Six" all over again. But then, the mistakes started piling up.
Ten penalties for 84 yards. That is what kills you in a rivalry game. Two of those penalties gave Alabama fresh sets of downs on their final scoring drive. You just can't do that against a top-10 team and expect to walk away with a win.
The Fumble That Sealed the Game
With 33 seconds left, Auburn had the ball at the Alabama 20-yard line. They were moving. The crowd was deafening.
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Cam Coleman, the star freshman receiver, caught a quick pitch and was fighting for extra yardage. He got hit, the ball popped out, and Alabama’s Deontae Lawson fell on it. Game over.
It was a heartbreaking way for Auburn’s season to end, especially since it meant they finished 5-7 and missed out on bowl eligibility. For Alabama, it was the ticket they needed to head to Atlanta for the SEC Championship against Georgia.
Historical Context of the 2025 Iron Bowl
This win puts Alabama at 52-37-1 all-time against Auburn. Since 2020, the Tide has been perfect in this matchup. Winning three straight at Jordan-Hare is something Alabama had never actually done in program history until now.
Kalen DeBoer, in his post-game presser, was visibly emotional. He mentioned how "long the road" has been this season. Alabama hasn't looked like the invincible juggernaut of the Saban years, but they’ve found ways to win the games that matter.
What’s Next for Both Programs?
Alabama is heading to the SEC Championship with a 10-2 record. They already beat Georgia 24-21 earlier this season, so the rematch is going to be the biggest game of the year.
Auburn is in a bit of a tailspin. They finished 1-7 in the SEC. There’s a lot of talk about the "pro mindset" interim coach DJ Durkin tried to instill, but at the end of the day, you have to win games. Turning down a potential Birmingham Bowl bid (to avoid a 5-8 record) shows just how much work needs to be done on the Plains.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Tape: If you missed the fourth quarter, find a condensed replay. The 15-play, 75-yard drive by Alabama to take the lead was a masterclass in clock management.
- Track the CFP: Alabama’s win essentially locks them into the 12-team playoff, regardless of what happens in Atlanta.
- Recruiting Watch: Keep an eye on Cam Coleman. Despite the fumble, his talent is undeniable, and he’ll be the centerpiece of Auburn’s rebuild in 2026.
- Schedule Check: The 2026 Iron Bowl returns to Tuscaloosa on November 28. Mark your calendars now, because Auburn will be looking for blood after three straight losses at home.