Before you ask me if the title is a trick question…the answer is “no.” For those who will tell me the “Iron Bowl” and “Alabama/Auburn” is in fact the same thing…the answer is once again…”no.”
I’ve been pondering this idea for many days, and I would like to share my conclusions as kickoff draws near.
THE IRON BOWL:
In my opinion the Iron Bowl is the hype, the talk, the banter, the braggin’ rights, the arguing, and in some cases…the fighting! The Iron Bowl is where the records are thrown out the window, and the team with the better talent…will NEVER win! The mindset behind the Iron Bowl is the history, but it’s also the idea that anything can happen and the hope the UNDERDOG should be…the FAVORITE!
The Iron Bowl is the place where stats mean nothing, and the team with the better record…is destined to LOSE! The hatred many people have towards Auburn or Alabama is in large part due to the Iron Bowl, and the stories told and shared over the years.
(AP Photo/Todd J. Van Emst)
Simply stated, the actual Iron Bowl supersedes common knowledge, basic football logic, and can cause the most “sane and sound” fan to suffer from temporary delusions of grandeur.
No matter how big the odds, how honest the stats, how good the record of the opposition, or how “common” the logic, deep down his or her team will FOREVER have a chance to beat the in-state rival…regardless!
The “iron will” to win…is the epitome of the IRON BOWL!
ALABAMA vs. AUBURN:
The Alabama/Auburn game is what happens when the Iron Bowl is NOT taking place. In my opinion the Iron Bowl ends after each team has had an offensive possession in the game.
Once the game begins the emotion and tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife. However, by the middle of the first quarter…the Iron Bowl ends…and basic college football begins.
(AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Once the actual “game” begins, all the things that didn’t matter in
the Iron Bowl…will matter. All the stats that were thrown out and all the logic that was discarded…will matter.
Even though the “anyone can win” premise is always a card to be played, upsets in the Alabama/Auburn game have rarely occurred. Once the talk and banter come to an end and the actual game is played on the field….9 times out of 10, the better team has won.
The Alabama/Auburn game in 2009 has the Alabama Crimson Tide playing in yet another typical road game, and it has the Auburn Tigers playing against a very tough opponent at home. Sound simple? It is very simple.
(AP Photo/April L Brown)
Once the trim is removed and the sparkle is tainted, the game is still played on the field. Once the game is over you’ll realize all the talk…was merely talk…and this goes for both fan bases.
Does the game hold extra importance for the fans? It most certainly does. However, the game is played on the field, and once the clock hits zero…the better team usually wins. The better players will make the better plays, and the better team will win the game. The “Iron Bowl” is what makes the rivalry, but “Alabama/Auburn” is just another football game…despite what we all believe.
Contrary to popular belief, the “Iron Bowl” will never hold a candle to talented players, teams, and coaches.
We tell our kids about the “Iron Bowl”…but we witness “Alabama vs. Auburn.”
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