Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from crushing 2019 Iron Bowl loss to Auburn

Alabama football lost the most exciting since the 2013 “Kick-Six” Iron Bowl. However, more importantly, their playoff hopes are completely gone.

In the South, there is no rivalry more intense than the Iron Bowl. Families are divided due to their love, or hate, for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers. This year was no different. The Iron Bowl, although important for both the players and the fans of each team, meant slightly more to Alabama considering their chances at the College Football Playoff.

Auburn came into the game with three losses, no chance at the SEC Championship, nor making the playoff. The Tigers came for pride and bragging rights. Alabama, on the other hand, held a record of 10-1 and came into the game just outside the Top 4 with a ranking at No. 5. Although the Crimson Tide has no chance at representing the SEC West in the SEC Championship Game, they still could make the College Football Playoff with a win over Auburn.

The game got off to a hot start that included a pick-six by Auburn and an immediate kickoff returned for a touchdown by Alabama. The first half was capped off by a questionable call by the referees, which allowed the Tigers to knock in a field goal as time expired, and closed the score to 31-28 in favor of the Tide.

Both teams traded blows throughout the second half. After a total of nine lead changes and a missed 30-yard field goal to tie by Alabama’s kicker, Joseph Bulovas, the Auburn Tigers were able to close out the victory, 48-45.

Here are a few major takeaways from the 2019 Iron Bowl.