AUBURN, Ala. — Ty Simpson and Isaiah Horton related 3 times for touchdowns, the final on a fourth-down play within the waning minutes, and No. 10 Alabama escaped Auburn with a 27-20 victory within the rivalry often called the Iron Bowl on Saturday evening.
Alabama superior to face fourth-ranked Georgia within the Southeastern Convention championship sport subsequent week in Atlanta and improved its possibilities of making the School Soccer Playoff. The Crimson Tide (10-2, 7-1) beat Georgia 24-21 on the highway within the common season.
Alabama was on the ropes once more at Jordan-Hare Stadium. After main 17-0 early within the second quarter, it was tied down the stretch. However Simpson discovered Horton on a fourth-and-2 play from the Auburn 6 with 3:50 remaining.
“He did not panic in any respect,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer mentioned about Simpson. “The experiences we have had all season lengthy, put him in that spot and he took benefit of it.”
It was the third and most essential hookup of the evening for Simpson and Horton. The duo additionally related on 6- and 3-yard scores within the first half. However as an alternative of taking a positive subject aim, DeBoer gambled together with his offense after which celebrated his first journey to the SEC title sport.
“It begins with our head coach,” Simpson mentioned. “It comes from him, our resiliency and it simply goes down the road. What an important staff win.”
Simpson accomplished 19 of 35 passes for a season-low 122 yards. Horton completed with 5 catches for 35 yards, with all three scores coming within the crimson zone. Alabama gained regardless of totaling 280 yards.
“These guys, they offer you every little thing they bought each single day,” DeBoer mentioned, pausing to gather his feelings. “It has been an extended highway, however I am unable to wait to do extra with them subsequent weekend.”
Alabama’s Jam Miller ran for 83 yards earlier than leaving with an damage.
Ashton Daniels led Auburn (5-7, 1-7) with 259 passing and 108 yards speeding. Malcolm Simmons hauled in two lengthy passes, together with a 64-yarder for a landing and a 66-yarder that arrange a rating. However Auburn, which had executed such a strong job of limiting turnovers all season, coughed up the ball late and didn’t turn out to be bowl eligible below interim coach DJ Durkin.
Daniels had the Tigers on the transfer, making the most of a pass-interference penalty and scrambling for a primary down on fourth-and-2, however star receiver Cam Coleman fumbled with 33 seconds left.
The Related Press contributed to this report.