Auburn Football: Why Oregon victory is resonating so much with Tiger fans

Auburn football’s victory over Oregon was exciting, but for a few reasons, it’s resonating far more with Tiger fans than the usual big win.

Bo knows Ccmebacks.

If you want to feel old, just go back and watch the broadcast of Auburn-Oregon from Saturday night. Bo Nix, who would go on to lead the Tigers to victory from a 21-6 deficit, was just a young Auburn fan, rooting for his dad’s school, and watching his new hero Cam Newton win a title.

Much like Cam, Bo got the ball with one last chance to take down the Ducks. Also like his hero, Bo got the job done on a national stage.

But that isn’t the only similarity between the two quarterbacks. While Newton did win a national title, his signature moment came against Alabama earlier that year. Down 24 in the first half, Newton never panicked. After every tough, he came to the sideline, talked to then offensive coordinator Malzahn, stayed calm and remained a leader. It was only a matter of time until things clicked, and they did.

Saturday night, Nix essentially lived the biggest moment of his favorite player’s Auburn career. Bo, down big in the first half, never panicked. He never pointed fingers. After every punt or interception, he calmly came to the sideline, conferred with Malzahn, and readied for his next shot. While most of the country probably wrote off a Tiger comeback, for Nix, it was only a matter of time.

The Cam comparisons wouldn’t end there. When backup quarterback, the 6’5″ Joey Gatewood entered the game in to deliver a goal-line score, it looked awfully familiar.

Like father, like son

The comeback wasn’t the only thing that brought back memories for the Tiger faithful. In case you’ve been living under a rock, you’re aware that Bo is the son of former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix. The most famous play of his career, commonly referred to as simply “Nix to Sanders” was an eerily similar touchdown strike as the Tigers trailed in the fourth quarter.

Bo will certainly carve out his own path on the plains, and in a good way, he’ll distance himself from the comparisons to former players and even his father. However, it was extremely fitting that his debut was an amalgamation of the defining moments of his Auburn fandom.

A fitting tribute

Unfortunately, Auburn’s offseason saw a terrible tragedy. Longtime Auburn play-by-play man Rod Bramblett, the voice of so many great moments on the plains, passed away in a car accident, along with his wife Paula. They were consummate Auburn people, and were beloved by anyone who crossed their paths.

So, when Andy Burcham, the new voice of the Tigers delivered the game-winning touchdown call, it was impossible not to think of Rod & Paula.

Those two words, “Touchdown Auburn!”, have been the simple, yet signature call of the last two beloved Tiger voices. When Jim Fyffe passed away and Bramblett took over, he felt it only fitting to always pay tribute to Fyffe with that touchdown call. Now, Burcham will do the same.

Yes, last night was a big win, but it meant so much more than that on so many levels. For Tiger fans, it was impossible not to think of two people who loved Auburn with all their heart and soul.