The Iron Bowl

The Iron Bowl. Saban Nation vs. Auburn Family. History.

It was February 22, 1893. On a cold, blustery day at Lakeview Park in Birmingham, Auburn and Alabama played their first football game. Approximately 2000 people showed up to see Auburn whip Bama, 32-22.

This should have shut the Tuscaloosan’s mouths, but being the ancestors of today’s loudmouth rednecks, and having the first generation of the defective pachydermian gene, the Alabama faithful couldn’t swallow their “getting beat” medicine and take it like a man. Instead, they chose to argue. (And we full well know how strong THAT part of the gene is!!)

Immediately following the game, Alabama claimed that this loss was the final game of the 1892 season, which had been over for almost two months. Auburn took the more logical approach and said, no….this was the first game of the 1893 season, since it was agreed to play the game after the 1892 season had already ended. And after all, it was now almost the 3rd month of 1893. And so, Auburn recorded it as the first win for 1893. And Bama? They recorded it (and still is, according to THEIR records), a loss for their 1892 season. They just couldn’t stand the thought of starting their year off with a loss to Auburn, so they chose to just rewrite history. (Again, things don’t fall far from the tree, do they??)

In 1907, the games were suspended. There are many urban legends as to why, but most Iron Bowl historians agree that these were the germane issues: (1) they couldn’t agree on how much players should be paid for expenses. Auburn thought that players should be paid based on how far they had to travel. And since the game was in Birmingham, and most of the Auburn players came from southern rural Alabama, their costs should be considered. Bama, on the other hand, thought all players should get the same. Yet over 90% of their players were from the Birmingham area. Interestingly, the NCAA today takes the same position that Auburn took back in 1907, which Bama didn’t agree to. Seems like Bama hasn’t wanted to agree with the NCAA for a looooooong time. Must be genetic. (2) the two schools couldn’t agree on where the officials would come from. Bama thought they should come from Birmingham, and Auburn thought they should come from out of state. Simple question of fairness, don’t you think? Well, “Birmingham Homecooking” meant more to Bama than continuing the rivalry, so they picked up their little stuffed elephants and went home.

In 1948, the Iron Bowl was resumed and on November 24, at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the 72nd rendition will be held.

It is interesting what the two schools call themselves today. It is the attitude they will bring to the game. Auburn calls itself “the Auburn Family”. This exudes a sense of family…of togetherness…of fairness and decency….of right….and it has been genetically passed down from our ancestors in this great rivalry.

The other side calls themselves “the Saban Nation”. It’s all about 1 man. Not even a mention of their school. It exudes the sense of selfishness….of “me more than us”…of spoiled brat….of childishness and lack of maturity….of win at all/any costs….of no regard for rules and what is right. And as has been pointed out above….this has been genetically passed down from their ancestors in this great rivalry.

In fact, you could point to two things that sum up what I have written above:

Shug. Bear.

The Auburn Family vs. the Saban Nation.

That about says it all.

War Eagle!

WJLaneSR.