Auburn’s 2013 Iron Bowl Miracle: The Play That Shocked Alabama

The Iron Bowl 2013 Auburn's Miracle Vs. Alabama still feels like a bolt of lightning every time fans talk about it. In the final seconds of a game that decided the SEC West champion, Auburn pulled off a play that still makes commentators gasp. It wasn’t just a win; it was a 109‑yard, one‑second, heart‑stopping moment that turned a routine field‑goal attempt into a legend.

The Stakes Were Sky‑High

Both teams entered the rivalry with championship dreams. Alabama, under Nick Saban, was the defending national champion and had dominated the series for decades. Auburn, led by Gus Malzahn, needed a win to keep any hope of a conference title alive. The game took place on November 30, 2013, at Jordan‑Hare Stadium, and the atmosphere was electric—crowds expected a close finish, but few imagined the drama that would unfold.

How the Game Unfolded

Alabama’s offense, paced by quarterback A.J. McCarron, surged early, building a 38‑17 lead midway through the third quarter. Auburn answered with a balanced attack, narrowing the gap to 38‑35 late in the fourth. The Crimson Tide’s defense, typically a brick wall, held firm, forcing Auburn to drive deep into Alabama territory.

With just 1.2 seconds left on the clock, Auburn faced a fourth‑down on its own 32‑yard line. Coach Malzahn opted for a field goal, hoping to tie the game and force overtime. The decision was logical—kicking a 57‑yard attempt was a tall order, but it was the safest bet.

The Miracle Play: The “Kick Six”

Alabama’s kicker, Adam Griffith, launched the ball with all the power he could muster. It arced high, fell short of the uprights, and landed in the back of the end zone. That’s when Chris Davis, Auburn’s senior safety, sprinted onto the scene. He scooped the ball at the very back line and took off.

What followed was pure chaos and brilliance. Davis outran his blockers, dodged a desperate tackle from the Alabama special‑teams unit, and sprinted the full 109 yards for a touchdown. The stadium erupted, and the scoreboard flipped to 41‑38 in Auburn’s favor with literally a second remaining.

The play earned the nickname “Kick Six,” a nod to both the missed six‑point field goal and the six‑point touchdown that replaced it. It instantly became a staple of college‑football lore, replayed countless times on highlight reels.

Immediate Aftermath

Auburn’s victory secured the SEC West title and booked a spot in the SEC Championship Game, where they later faced Missouri. The win also snapped Alabama’s 34‑year winning streak in Birmingham—a streak that had seemed invincible. For the Crimson Tide, the loss was a bitter pill; it marked the first time a missed field goal had directly handed an opponent the game in the final second.

In the days that followed, the media ran endless analyses. Some praised Malzahn’s bold call, while others highlighted the execution of Davis’s return as a textbook example of special‑teams awareness. The play even inspired a new tradition: fans now chant “Kick Six!” whenever Auburn scores a long return.

Why the Miracle Still Resonates

• Drama in a single second – The outcome hinged on a single, improbable moment, reminding everyone why sports can feel like theater.
• Underdog narrative – Auburn was trailing, and the decision to kick rather than go for a Hail‑Mary added a layer of strategic risk.
• Rivalry intensity – The Iron Bowl is more than a game; it’s a cultural touchstone for Alabama and Auburn fans, magnifying every play’s significance.
• Legacy of the players – Chris Davis’s name is now etched in Auburn history, and the “Kick Six” is taught in coaching clinics as a case study in special‑teams preparation.

Lessons for Coaches and Players

One takeaway is the importance of situational awareness on special teams. Davis didn’t just happen to be in the right place; he studied the field’s geometry and knew that a missed field goal could become a live ball. Coaches now emphasize drills that simulate “kick‑off return after a missed field goal” scenarios, a direct lineage from that 2013 moment.

Another lesson lies in decision‑making under pressure. Malzahn’s choice to kick—rather than attempt a desperate pass—reflected trust in his kicker’s range and a willingness to gamble on a low‑probability outcome. It paid off, illustrating that sometimes the safest option can produce the most spectacular result.

Legacy in the Bigger Picture

More than six years later, the Iron Bowl 2013 miracle still appears in discussions about the greatest finishes in college football. It’s referenced alongside moments like the 2006 “Punt Six” and the 2018 “Moscow Miracle.” Each of these plays underscores how a single snap can rewrite a season’s narrative.

For Auburn fans, the play symbolizes resilience. For Alabama supporters, it serves as a humbling reminder that even the most dominant programs can be undone in an instant. The shared memory keeps the rivalry fresh, fueling debates each time the two teams meet again.

FAQ

What exactly happened on the final play of the 2013 Iron Bowl?

Alabama attempted a 57‑yard field goal with 1.2 seconds left. The ball fell short, landed in the end zone, and Auburn safety Chris Davis returned it 109 yards for a touchdown, giving Auburn a 41‑38 win.

Why is the play called the “Kick Six”?

The nickname blends the missed six‑point field‑goal attempt with the six‑point touchdown that resulted from the return.

Did the decision to attempt the field goal make sense?

Most analysts agree it was a logical choice. A field goal had a realistic chance to tie the game, and the risk of a missed attempt turned out to be a fortunate gamble for Auburn.

How did the miracle affect the SEC standings?

Auburn’s win secured the SEC West title and a berth in the SEC Championship Game, while Alabama’s loss ended their hopes of a repeat national championship that season.