Derrick Henry breaks two Alabama records in Iron Bowl win

Florida avoided its first shutout in the Swamp since 1988 when FSU quarterback Sean Maguire recovered a fumble in the end zone for a safety with 8:58 remaining.

In the third quarter of No. 2 Alabama’s win over Auburn, Henry passed Trent Richardson for the most rushing yards in a single season in school history.

Auburn RB Peyton Barber on lack of carries in 2nd half of 29-13 loss to Alabama.

That is a line Henry lifted, knowingly or not, from McKay, the USC coach who produced two workhorse Heisman backs, Mike Garrett (1965) and O.J. Simpson (1968). That’s all, folks. Goodbye, upset bid.

After snapping its three-year skid in the annual city rivalry game, USC will face Stanford next Saturday in the Trojans’ first trip to the Pac-12 championship game.

“He’s the go-to guy”, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said.

Pressure is nothing new to Alabama, which has essentially had nine straight must-win games since losing to Mississippi. “I asked him every time he came over to the sideline, ‘Are you OK?”

As was announced by the Gators’ official team Twitter account, star receiver Demarcus Robinson was suspended for the Florida State game. Tim Tebow and Florida won the first one 31-20 while Ingram, Julio Jones and the Tide evened the score 32-13 in the second.

Despite a struggling offense that missed its share of opportunities, Auburn felt it had the momentum as it ventured to the locker room.

“I’m a little surprised with all the field goals”. Its defense is superb, and the only touchdown it allowed to Auburn was on the freak – albeit spectacular – juggled, bobbled pass reception.

Quarterback Jake Coker’s only touchdown pass put Alabama ahead 19-6 with 5:14 left in the third quarter. In the second half alone Henry scampered 30 times for 177 yards and the game-sealing touchdown, and he finished with 46 carries for a whopping 277 yards on the night.

Henry is also well on pace to break Humphrey’s school record for average rushing yards per game in a season. But each time, Henry shook off the offer. He zigged and zagged his way for seven yards setting up a fourth-and-one that the Tide converted to keep the drive alive. That ended any realistic chance Florida (10-2) had of making the playoffs, even if they beat Alabama next weekend. Gators fans have to hope Henry is past exhausted. Officially, Griffith is 5 of 6 in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Griffith emerged as an Iron Bowl hero for the Tide two years after his attempt touched off the Kick-Six play. Several times in the game, Kiffin seemed to outthink himself with his play calling despite Auburn never being able slow the massive running back up. I know him as a good man and a patient referee.

Now the Tide are on the cusp of bringing another SEC championship trophy back to Tuscaloosa. “That’s two years ago”. “Auburn is a good football team”. Coker said. “The effort everybody puts in across the board – everybody buys in”. Next up is No. 11 North Carolina in the ACC title game, next Saturday.

“Roll Tide!” said five-year-old Ashley Carpenter.

On a national scale, Ohio State, frankly, needed some style points in beating MI.

“What Derrick has done for this team because this team needs him to do what he does, I would say he’s made as significant an impact on this team as any players that we’ve ever had”, Saban said.