Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry: Complete history of The Iron Bowl

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers face off annually in one of college football’s greatest and most heated rivalries, the Iron Bowl. 

Few rivalries throughout sports have anywhere near as much meaning as the Iron Bowl, the annual meeting between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers.

Historically, with Alabama and Auburn being among two of the best college football programs around, it shouldn’t be shocking that the Iron Bowl has produced some fascinating results and some intriguing contests.

And of course, within the state lines of Alabama, this annual meeting holds a considerable amount of cultural importance as well.

What does the history behind the Iron Bowl look like?

Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry: First meeting

The first time Alabama and Auburn faced each other was on Feb. 22, 1983. Auburn took home the first victory in the rivalry, winning 32-22 in Birmingham, Alabama. Later that year, on Nov. 29, 1983, Auburn won again, beating Alabama 40-16.

Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry: Meeting totals

Alabama and Auburn have faced each other a total of 85 times throughout the years, dating back to 1893 when the two teams met twice. After they met in 1907, the on-field meetings for the two teams actually took a pause for a few decades until they played once again in 1948.

Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry: All-time series record

The Crimson Tide currently leads the series and, under Nick Saban‘s guidance, the margin is steadily growing in Alabama’s favor as time goes on. Alabama currently leads the overall series with a record of 47–37–1. Prior to Saban’s arrival in 2007, the series sat at 38-32-1 with Alabama leading.

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