One Return, One Rivalry Rewritten
Imagine the ground beneath you vibrating, the air charged with electricity, and the roar of a crowd so loud it drowns out your thoughts. This isn’t just any game. This is the Iron Bowl, where legends are made and the improbable becomes reality. On November 30, 2013, Auburn University scripted one of the most unforgettable moments in college football history—a moment that transformed the landscape of a fierce rivalry and humbled an icon of the sport.
- The Stakes: Auburn vs. Alabama
- The Moment: Chris Davis’ 109-Yard Return
- The Impact: Rivalry and Legacy
The Stakes: Auburn vs. Alabama
The Iron Bowl, a yearly clash between Auburn and Alabama, is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that divides families and friends along team lines. In 2013, the stakes were sky-high. Alabama, led by coach Nick Saban, was gunning for a third consecutive national title. Auburn, under first-year coach Gus Malzahn, was staging a miraculous turnaround season. The stage was set for a clash of titans at Jordan-Hare Stadium, with more than just bragging rights on the line.
Could Auburn really derail the seemingly unstoppable Crimson Tide?
The Moment: Chris Davis’ 109-Yard Return
With the game tied at 28, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal with one second left on the clock—a decision that would etch this game into college football lore. The kick fell short, and waiting in the end zone was Auburn’s Chris Davis. What happened next was a sequence scripted in the dreams of Auburn fans and nightmares of Alabama faithful.
Davis caught the ball deep in his own end zone. He hesitated, then surged forward, weaving through a sea of crimson jerseys. Each step he took wrote a new line in the annals of sports miracles. Davis ran down the sideline, the crowd’s roar crescendoing with his every stride, until he crossed into the end zone. No flags on the field. Touchdown. Auburn victory. The stadium erupted in euphoric disbelief.
Watch the full play on ESPN.
Was this the greatest ending in college football history?
The Impact: Rivalry and Legacy
The “Kick Six” not only gave Auburn a 34-28 victory but also ended Alabama’s hopes for a third straight national title. This single play shifted the balance of power in one of college football’s most storied rivalries and marked Nick Saban, a figure often seen as invincible, as mortal. The game became a defining moment for both programs, symbolizing Auburn’s resilience and Alabama’s vulnerability.
The aftermath of the game resonated far beyond the confines of the Iron Bowl. It altered the landscape of college football, influencing coaching decisions, player recruitment, and even the national championship trajectory. The echo of Chris Davis’ footsteps can still be heard in the corridors of both universities, a reminder of the thin line between victory and defeat.
The Legacy of the Kick Six
Years later, the Kick Six remains a touchstone moment not only for Auburn and Alabama but for sports enthusiasts everywhere. It serves as a testament to why we watch sports: the unscripted drama, the raw emotion, and the reminder that anything is possible. For Auburn, it was a miracle that redefined a rivalry. For Alabama, a painful lesson in humility. For everyone else, a breathtaking reminder of why college football holds such a special place in the hearts of fans around the world.
Explore more NCAA football history.
The Kick Six didn’t just end a game—it started conversations, fueled debates, and became a legendary tale of rivalry and redemption. As the years pass, the legend of the Kick Six continues to grow, a story passed down through generations, each retelling keeping the magic of that chilly November evening alive.
