WEEK 13: Auburn Loses the Iron Bowl in Heartbreaking Fashion

Remember when I told you yesterday that this is the greatest rivalry in all of sports? Remember when I told you that you can forget about records and talent gaps for this game? I don't think anyone except Auburn or Alabama fans understand the inevitable chaos that this game brings. Just one week ago, New Mexico State beat Auburn in every way possible. Many people probably assumed that this one would be a blowout because of that result. Those people have clearly never watched an Iron Bowl in Jordan Hare. I'm disappointed in the result, but I have to appreciate the instant classic that that game turned out to be.

Had you told me before the game that Auburn would lose the game by three points, I would have been ecstatic. Freeze coached an incredible game, and I am ecstatic about the direction this program is heading. However, to have what seemed to be a sure win ripped away from you like that hurts more than words can describe. There is no positive way to spin this loss. I don't believe in moral victories. We should have won that game, but we didn't, plain and simple. To be proud of "only losing by three" is a loser's mentality. It should sting. I hope it stings for the players, the staff, and the rest of the program. If it doesn't, we have deeper issues than talent.

I've got no negatives to point out from yesterday. Everyone knows the two negative plays that happened, and frankly, everything bad that can be said about those two plays has already been proclaimed by every Auburn fan in existence. Instead, I want to give props to a few people...

-I have made it very clear throughout this season that I don't think Payton Throne is our guy. I still don't think he is, but I have to give him props for the gutsy performance he put on yesterday. The passing numbers were not great, but I don't think the box score is very telling. He had some great runs, including a few where he put his head down and fought for yards. He made some good throws, he made some bad throws, but above all else, he showed some fight. Regardless of what I think about his future with this program, I appreciate the heart he played with yesterday.

-Everyone involved in the running game was incredible. Auburn rushed for 244 total yards against a very solid Alabama front. Jarquez, Damari, the offensive line, Payton Thorne, everyone did their job. This allowed us to control the ball and, more importantly, the clock. I was very pleased with the offensive production.

-Alex McPherson quite literally had a perfect season. 13/13 on field goals, 39/39 on extra points. I think we've found our next great kicker.

-On the fourth down play where Alabama jumped offside, I thought Hugh Freeze dialed up an absolute masterpiece. I honestly have no idea whether or not it was legal, but to shift the two tight-ends/linemen before the snap was absolutely beautiful. It caught the defense off-guard and caused them to jump, ultimately giving us the first down. It was beautiful.

-I thought the secondary made some big time plays. There were a couple really impressive pass breakups, and Nehemiah Pritchett's hit on Jalen Milroe on third down might have been my favorite play of the game. He put his body on the line to make a potential game-saving tackle. You don't see that much out of corners, and I was proud to see him make that sacrifice for his team.

-Auburn undeniably has the best fan base in the country. Regardless of record, regardless of sport, regardless of weather, regardless of anything, they are going to show up and show out in each and every game. I am fully convinced that if Auburn played a mid-December football game in Alaska, the stadium would be full of Auburn fans. This is a great attribute to be able to pitch to recruits in all sports. The recruits at the game last night had to have been blown away by the environment.

This loss is going to hurt for a while. That being said, I see the vision. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. This program is heading back in the right direction. It's been a rough couple of years, but I think the suffering is over. We are a few playmakers away from competing for championships again, and I am confident that Freeze is working his tail off to get them.

The sun did indeed rise today. It is going to be okay. I have always and will always love Auburn, no matter how many gut-wrenching losses I have to endure. It's time to turn the page. This season has been full of ups and downs. I see the vision. I can sense the turnaround. It's coming.

On to basketball season, and as always, War Eagle!