When Auburn and Alabama meet you’re usually sure of entertainment. The Iron Bowl – as the tie between the two Alabama universities is known - is one of American sports’ most heated rivalries and the drama on the field often lives up to the emotion off it. But last night it was taken to a whole new level by one of the most dramatic finishes to a game of American football, or perhaps any sport, you are likely to see. Auburn was seeking revenge for a brutal 49-0 loss in last year’s meeting, and they left satisfied.
With just 1 second remaining on the clock the game was tied at 28-28. Alabama, hunting their third successive NCAA title, chose to kick for goal. Taken from 57 yards out the kick fell just short, and into the hands of Chris Davis. The Auburn man then proceeded to run 109 yards, through the scrambling Alabama defence and over the line, into Iron Bowl and American sporting folklore.
It was a history making play, as Sports Illustrated writer Stewart Mandel pointed out shortly afterwards.
If you watch long enough ... Auburn's was just the fourth FG return for TD in history and the first EVER to win a game on last play.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 1, 2013
But spare a thought for the loser in all of this, Alabama kicker Cade Foster. Foster has since deleted his name and photo from his Twitter page, in an attempt to avoid the inevitable flood of online abuse.
Therell be docs made and epics written in 10yrs revisiting the Alabama guy who missed the field goal and the Auburn guy who ran back to win.
— Michael Foley (@MickFoley76) December 1, 2013
