A Century of Gridiron Glory: Auburn Football’s Enduring Legacy in College Football’s Most Iconic Contests

Auburn University’s football program, steeped in tradition and punctuated by moments of improbable triumph and heart-stopping drama, has undeniably carved its name into the annals of college football history this century. While the program has experienced its ebbs and flows, a review of the sport’s most memorable games of the 2000s invariably highlights the indelible mark left by the Auburn Tigers. Their presence in these top-tier matchups speaks to a program that, for much of the last quarter-century, has remained a formidable and often chaotic force, capable of both captivating the nation and delivering unforgettable finishes.

One simply cannot discuss the defining games of the 21st century without immediately turning to the 2013 Iron Bowl, a contest so improbable, so utterly unbelievable, that it was quickly christened the “Kick Six.” This game, played on November 30, 2013, at Jordan-Hare Stadium, pitted a 10-1 Auburn squad against the undefeated and #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. With the game tied at 28 and one second remaining, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal to win. The kick, famously short, was caught in the end zone by Auburn’s Chris Davis Jr., who then sprinted 109 yards down the sideline, untouched, for the game-winning touchdown as time expired. The pandemonium that erupted in Jordan-Hare Stadium was a visceral release of emotion, a moment that transcended football and became an iconic piece of American sports folklore. The “Kick Six” wasn’t just a win; it was a miracle, a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football and Auburn’s uncanny ability to defy expectations on the biggest stage. This single play, and the game it concluded, is frequently cited as one of the greatest plays and greatest games in college football history, solidifying Auburn’s place in the pantheon of unforgettable moments.

Beyond the dramatic Iron Bowl, Auburn’s 2013 season was itself a narrative masterpiece, featuring another improbable finish that cemented its place in the century’s best games: “The Prayer at Jordan-Hare.” Just two weeks before the “Kick Six,” Auburn hosted Georgia in a crucial SEC showdown. With the Tigers trailing by a point and mere seconds left, quarterback Nick Marshall launched a desperation pass that was tipped by a Georgia defender and landed in the hands of Ricardo Louis, who scampered for a 73-yard touchdown. This miraculous play, coming with only 25 seconds on the clock, secured a 43-38 victory and kept Auburn’s national championship hopes alive. The back-to-back “Miracles on The Plains” are a testament to the resilient, often chaotic, spirit of Auburn football in the 21st century, showcasing their ability to pull off the impossible when the stakes were highest.

The 2010 season also stands as a monumental chapter in Auburn’s 21st-century narrative, culminating in a national championship and featuring a series of games that cemented the legend of Cam Newton. The “CamBack” against Alabama in the 2010 Iron Bowl, often overshadowed by the later “Kick Six” but equally significant, saw Auburn overcome a 24-0 deficit to defeat the Crimson Tide 28-27. This comeback, led by the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, showcased Newton’s unparalleled athleticism and leadership, propelling Auburn to an undefeated season and an SEC Championship. The journey continued to the BCS National Championship Game, where Auburn faced the high-flying Oregon Ducks. In a tightly contested battle, Auburn clinched the national title with a last-second field goal, a 22-19 victory that capped off one of the most remarkable individual seasons in college football history and brought a coveted national championship back to the Plains. These two games from 2010, the Iron Bowl comeback and the national championship triumph, further illustrate Auburn’s capacity for unforgettable drama and national relevance.

While the “Kick Six” and the 2010 national championship run often dominate the conversation, Auburn’s influence on the century’s most iconic games extends further. The 2004 season, an undefeated campaign that saw Auburn finish 13-0 and win the SEC Championship, was also filled with memorable contests. Though they were controversially shut out of the BCS National Championship game, their victories against ranked opponents, including a decisive 38-28 win over Tennessee in the SEC Championship, solidified their status as one of the era’s elite teams. The 2004 Tigers, led by Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams, demonstrated a potent combination of offensive firepower and defensive grit that left a lasting impression on the college football landscape. Their dominant performances in high-stakes games showcased a program consistently capable of competing at the highest level.

Even in seasons that didn’t culminate in national titles, Auburn consistently delivered games that captivated audiences and became part of the college football lexicon. The rivalry games, particularly the Iron Bowl against Alabama, have consistently provided some of the most dramatic and meaningful contests of the century. Beyond the “Kick Six” and “CamBack,” many Iron Bowls have gone down to the wire, with both teams trading blows and delivering heart-stopping finishes that have implications for national championships and conference titles. These games, often characterized by intense passion and fierce competition, are a staple of college football’s appeal, and Auburn has been a central figure in many of them.

The impact of Auburn’s iconic games is not merely statistical; it is deeply emotional and cultural. These games have shaped the identity of the program, inspiring generations of fans and solidifying Auburn’s reputation as a program that, no matter the circumstances, can always deliver breathtaking moments. The “War Eagle” cry, the sight of Aubie the Tiger, and the passionate atmosphere of Jordan-Hare Stadium are all intrinsically linked to these historical triumphs. The legacy of these top 25 games is that they serve as a constant reminder of Auburn’s capacity for greatness, even in the face of adversity. They are the moments that define the program’s enduring appeal, the stories told and retold, year after year, reinforcing the notion that in college football, anything is possible, especially on the Plains.

While recent years may have seen a dip in consistent national contention, the foundation built upon these landmark victories remains. The memory of the “Kick Six,” the “Prayer at Jordan-Hare,” and the heroic run of Cam Newton continues to fuel the aspirations of the Auburn faithful. These games are not just footnotes in a historical record; they are living legends, integral to the very fabric of college football’s modern era. Auburn’s remarkable ability to be at the center of such high-stakes, dramatic, and often unbelievable finishes has ensured its prominent place in any discussion of the century’s greatest college football games, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.