Auburn Tigers proudly reflect on season finishing second in AP Top 25 and coaches poll while ranking third in BCS standings
The Auburn Tigers have always been a program defined by grit, tradition, and resilience, and few seasons illustrate that better than the campaign in which they finished second in both the AP Top 25 and the coaches’ poll while being placed third in the final BCS rankings. For Auburn fans, that season represents not only a moment of pride but also a reminder of how subjective and often frustrating the national championship process could be in the era before the College Football Playoff. A second-place finish in both major polls should have been reason enough to celebrate, but the sting of finishing third in the BCS rankings—a system designed to provide clarity but which often delivered controversy—still lingers for those who lived through it. Auburn’s placement in that season raised questions about the fairness of the BCS formula, the legitimacy of how champions were chosen, and the broader challenges that came with measuring greatness in a sport as unpredictable as college football. For Auburn, however, the legacy of that campaign goes far beyond the numbers—it was a season defined by relentless effort, stunning victories, and the enduring pride of the Auburn family.
The Tigers had entered that year with plenty of determination but were not necessarily seen as the favorite to rise to such heights. Competing in the Southeastern Conference, widely regarded as the toughest league in the country, Auburn knew that the path to glory would be filled with obstacles. Every week presented a new challenge, whether it was battling powerhouse rivals or overcoming the grind of a conference schedule that left little room for error. Yet Auburn embraced the challenge with unshakable belief. Game after game, the Tigers proved their mettle, winning in dramatic fashion, leaning on their stars, and showcasing the kind of resilience that has long been associated with the program. By the time the season reached its final stages, Auburn had not only solidified its position among the nation’s elite but had also inspired its fan base with a journey filled with unforgettable moments.
The controversy began when the BCS rankings were released, placing Auburn third behind two other national powers, despite the Tigers finishing second in both the Associated Press and coaches’ polls. To Auburn fans, it felt like an insult, a dismissal of the hard work and accomplishments of their team. The BCS formula, which combined human polls with computer-generated rankings based on strength of schedule and other factors, was intended to eliminate bias and provide a fairer method of determining the national championship matchup. Instead, it often produced outcomes that sparked outrage, particularly in seasons where multiple teams could legitimately claim to be deserving of the top spots. Auburn’s third-place finish in the BCS rankings that year was one of the most glaring examples of the flaws in the system. The Tigers had done everything asked of them, yet when the final numbers were tallied, they were on the outside looking in, left to wonder what might have been had the system valued their achievements more accurately.
For the players and coaches, it was a bitter pill to swallow, but it did not erase the pride of what they had accomplished. Finishing second in both the AP Top 25 and the coaches’ poll is no small feat, especially in a sport where only a handful of programs can consistently compete at that level. The Tigers had proven that they belonged among the very best, and the recognition from both major polls underscored their legitimacy as one of the top teams in the nation. For Auburn fans, the second-place finishes were both a source of pride and frustration—pride in knowing that their team had earned national respect, frustration in knowing that the BCS rankings denied them a shot at the title game.
The season’s legacy, however, cannot be defined solely by the rankings. It was a campaign filled with dramatic victories, emotional highs, and the kind of moments that become etched in the collective memory of a fan base. Auburn showed heart in every game, often overcoming adversity, finding ways to win when it mattered most, and giving their fans reason to believe that greatness was within reach. The players who wore the orange and blue that year etched their names into Auburn history, joining the long list of Tigers who have carried the program’s tradition with pride.
When viewed in the larger context of college football history, Auburn’s second-place finishes and third-place BCS ranking highlight the inherent challenges of determining champions in a sport without a definitive playoff system. Before the introduction of the College Football Playoff in 2014, the national title was often decided by a combination of polls, formulas, and subjective opinions, leaving room for debate and controversy. Auburn’s experience that year served as a powerful example of why change was necessary. Fans, players, and coaches across the country clamored for a more equitable system, one that would allow teams to prove their worth on the field rather than being left at the mercy of algorithms and mathematical calculations. Auburn’s case became part of the larger conversation that eventually led to the implementation of the playoff system, which has since provided at least some clarity to the championship chase.
For Auburn, the season remains a point of pride. Finishing second in both the AP and coaches’ polls ensured that their accomplishments were recognized, even if the BCS rankings created controversy. The Tigers had proven themselves against the toughest competition, had risen to the top of the nation’s most demanding conference, and had showcased the kind of heart and determination that defines champions. While the final BCS standings denied them the ultimate prize, it could never erase the memories of that season or the respect they earned from the college football world.
The players who carried Auburn that year deserve special recognition. They fought through adversity, overcame doubters, and played with the kind of passion that Auburn fans will never forget. Their legacy is not diminished by a computer formula but rather strengthened by the way they responded to disappointment—with dignity, pride, and continued excellence. Coaches, too, played a vital role in guiding the team through the challenges of the season, instilling in their players the values of hard work, discipline, and belief. Together, they created a season that Auburn fans will always remember, a season that stands as proof of the program’s resilience and greatness.
The controversy surrounding the BCS rankings also added fuel to Auburn’s long-standing rivalries, particularly with Alabama. In the state of Alabama, football is more than a sport—it is a way of life, and every perceived slight or moment of controversy becomes part of the never-ending debate between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Auburn fans seized upon the injustice of their third-place BCS ranking as further evidence of bias against their program, while rivals were quick to downplay Auburn’s accomplishments. The Iron Bowl rivalry, already one of the fiercest in sports, grew even more intense in the wake of that season, with bragging rights extending far beyond the field and into debates about national recognition.
Ultimately, Auburn’s second-place finishes and third-place BCS ranking tell a story not just of disappointment but of enduring pride. The Tigers proved themselves as one of the top programs in the nation, and while the system of the time denied them the ultimate prize, their legacy remains secure. Seasons like that one remind us that greatness is not always measured by trophies or banners but by the effort, determination, and spirit of a team. Auburn’s players, coaches, and fans can forever look back on that year with pride, knowing that they stood among the very best in the nation.
As time passes, the frustration of the BCS rankings fades, but the memories of the victories, the celebrations, and the pride of finishing near the very top remain. Auburn football has always been about more than just numbers—it is about tradition, community, and the unbreakable bond of the Auburn family. That season is a testament to those values, a reminder that no formula or ranking system can diminish the heart of the Tigers. Auburn finished second in both the AP Top 25 and the coaches’ poll, third in the BCS rankings, but first in the hearts of its fans, who will forever celebrate a team that gave everything and left a lasting legacy on the Plains.
