The annual game between the University of Alabama and Auburn University, known as the Iron Bowl, is one of, if not the most intense, feuds in all of sports.
For one, college football is professional football in Alabama. Whenever the two schools square off, the whole state stops. As the two major universities in Alabama, the yearly matchup at season’s end sets the stage to potentially claim conference dominance and derail title shots.
But, more than anything, a win secures bragging rights for the fanbase to stunt on their opposition until they line up again. From the classic “Punt, Bama, Punt” showdown in 1972 to the magical ending of the “Kick Six” matchup in 2013, the rivalry has produced countless iconic memories. Great games make for great moments, but this rivalry goes beyond the field.
It’s entrenched in a state identity that’s led to government intervention, poisoning of trees, and a whole lot of beef.
