This Amazing Catch Got Auburn Back In The Iron Bowl Against Alabama

Alabama entered the game No. 2 in the standings for that event. If Alabama running back Derrick Henry doesn’t put up a dud against Florida in the SEC Championship Game, he will become the Crimson Tide’s second Heisman-winning running back.

IN and Virginia Tech did get their sixth victories of the season Saturday, upping the total number of bowl-eligible teams to 75.

The game was sloppy for both offenses at the beginning of the game with neither team able to score a first half touchdown.

UA pushed the advantage to 19-6 in the third quarter as Jake Coker made a remarkable escape from pressure and found ArDarius Stewart for a 34-yard touchdown.

Those same opportunities did not arise in the final 30 minutes.

Smith, who had a career-high 82 yards and his first career touchdown in an Auburn jersey defended his coaches after the loss Saturday and against any possible offseason moves. Without that catch, the Tigers may have been held scoreless. Alabama tacked on a fifth Griffith field goal early in the fourth quarter, then sealed the game with the steady Henry diet. Outside of Smith’s catch, Johnson was unable to connect with his receivers for meaningful gains. The Tigers have lost nine of their last 11 SEC games. Don’t worry, Alabama will roll into the SEC title game.

Alabama fans Chris Wynn and Lisa Wilson of Eva both grew up fans of the Crimson Tide. Henry rushed for 271 yards on a school record 46 carries. But no coach should ever look like this during a game when there was no real moment instigating it.

The Tigers stayed close into the fourth, aided in the third quarter by Jason Smith’s 77-yard touchdown catch, which he twice tipped back to himself. The pass protection broke down, and Johnson was forced to scramble. “But it was a big play and it counts for seven”. A 15-yard personal foul was called on Auburn safety Johnathan Ford for a late hit on Coker as he exited the field. The Tigers were also penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after defensive coordinator Will Muschamp came out on the field screaming at officials, before getting led back to the sideline by other Auburn staffers. A much-maligned Tigers defense limited the Tide in the first half, standing strong in the red zone and forcing them to settle for four field goals. It was certainly not the best time for Carlson’s streak to end, but he has been reliable for the Tigers all season.

With the win, Southern Miss will move on to face Western Kentucky in the conference championship game next Saturday afternoon in Bowling Green. Malzahn will need his quarterback to play mistake-free football, as he has struggled with turnovers this season.

Inconsistent quarterback play definitely hurt Auburn, but the ultimate blame falls on Malzahn.

In terms of Henry’s projection to the National Football League, however, how and where he fits best should be one of the more fascinating debates as the draft approaches.

“They’ve got a lot of good players and they’re all capable of making a good play”, Saban said.