The Iron Bowl's Return to Greatness

As 'Poise' flashed on the Jumbotron during the pre-game Traditions video in Bryant-Denny Stadium, I took a deep breath before bursting into cheer as Van Tiffin nailed a 52-yard field goal to overcome Auburn 25-23. Looking around the half-filled monument to football that is Bryant-Denny, I could not help but realize that most of the crowd, students trying to avoid the dreaded upper deck, including myself had never experienced firsthand the joy that was felt by Bama nation on that day. Still, the excitement displayed by the students from that play and others such as 'Wrong Way Bo' uncovered what I should have already known.

The Iron Bowl is the greatest rivalry in college football.

Forget Texas/Oklahoma, Ohio State/Michigan, and Notre Dame/USC. They are all historic in their own right. Forget Florida/Florida State, USC/UCLA, and Ole Miss/Miss. State. They are all territorial in their own right. The perfect rivalry game contains history, location, and pure, old-fashioned hate for the other team. The Iron Bowl encompasses all of these aspects.

History has proven that the Iron Bowl deserves to be among the talk in top rivalry games. I need not preach to the Alabama campus about the many memorable players, coaches, and games that have benefitted both teams over the years. I also need not preach about how deep this rivalry runs.

I may be biased in my opinion, but I grew up with Alabama and Auburn fans. There are Auburn fans in my extended family. I know Alabama/Auburn marriages disputes, sibling disputes, and, most frequently, childhood disputes. I remember not wanting to go to school and faking sick after Auburn victories just so I would not have to listen to the 'dumb' Auburn fans.

This rivalry is in our bloodline and our future. This is not so much the case for Ohio State/Michigan. At the same time, this rivalry provides history and prestige, unlike Ole Miss/Miss State. This year also adds a little more spice.

Considering Alabama and Auburn both win out, which is a daunting task in itself, the game would feature two national title contenders most likely both ranked inside the top five. Add a little college gameday, CBS primetime coverage, a new Bryant-Denny stadium, a chance at the SEC championship, a national title berth, and, wait, a Heisman race.

That is why this game will have the added dimension. We were all witnesses to the devastation Cam Newton delivered to the Arkansas defense. We were all witnesses to the devastation that Mark Ingram dealt last year. Although, he may not have the exact numbers as last year, everyone knows he has the 246-yard South Carolina game in him every time he steps on the field.

The Iron Bowl needed a facelift after the last ten seasons of one stellar team facing off against a mediocre adversary. Through Cam Newton, Mark Ingram, a revamped Auburn team, and a vengeful Alabama team, this year should propel the Iron Bowl back to its glory days. Hopefully, the Bama faithful will see a ‘Wrong Way Cam’ or, may the football gods forbid, another ‘Punt Bama Punt.’