Instant reactions to Alabama's massive Iron Bowl win vs. Auburn

On Saturday night, the Alabama Crimson took the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium needing a win over Auburn in order to keep their SEC title and College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Ultimately, it was Alabama who eventually came away with the win, defeating the Tigers by a final score of 27-20.

In the first half, Alabama took control of the game early due to strong defensive play, and eventually owned a 17-0 advantage midway through the second quarter following a pair of Ty Simpson touchdown passes to Isaiah Horton. Auburn however responded with a pair of field goals late in the second quarter, which brought the score to 17-6 at halftime.

During the second half, Auburn came out of halftime with a big touchdown pass from Ashton Daniels to Malcolm Simmons to make it a one-possession game, which Alabama also responded with a field goal drive of their own. This brought the score to 20-13, Alabama, a score that would remain until the fourth quarter when Jeremiah Cobb tied the game with a rushing touchdown, 20-20.

That score remained the same until a little under four minutes remaining, when Simpson and Horton connected for the third time for a touchdown on a fourth down from the six-yard line. This score would go on to be the difference after some Alabama stops to claim the win.

Following are some instant reactions to Alabama's win in the Iron Bowl on Saturday night in Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Crimson Tide's sixth-straight dating back to 2020.

Alabama's statement drive

Alabama's fourth quarter drive will be something that is likely remembered in this rivalry for years to come. Tied at 20-20, Alabama went on a 15-play, 75-yard drive that lasted nearly eight minutes to claim a lead via a touchdown pass from Simpson to Horton, one that includes numerous massive plays from the Crimson Tide.

Alabama defense forces huge turnovers

Alabama's defense forced two huge turnovers in this game, both of which Bray Hubbard was at the center. Hubbard had a key interception late in the third quarter, as well as a forced fumble when Auburn was driving in the fourth.

Alabama running game steps up

Alabama's running game has struggled a majority of the season prior to a huge performance last weekend against Eastern Illinois, and the Crimson Tide continued that success on the ground Saturday night against Auburn. Led by Jam Miller with 83 yards on 15 attempts, Alabama rushed for a combined 158 yards, with others such as Daniel Hill and Simpson stepping up.

Third/Fourth down success, struggles

Third and fourth down was a major story for Alabama on both sides of the ball Saturday night, seeing both successes, as well as struggles. Overall, Alabama went 4-of-17 on third down, as well as a perfect 3-of-3 on fourth down, while the Crimson Tide's defense held Auburn to 8-of-19 on third down, along with 2-of-3 on fourth.

Conor Talty makes big kicks

After struggles a week ago, Alabama kicker Conor Talty made two massive kicks in the first half of this game. Talty's makes came from 45 yards and 29 yards out.

Alabama advances to SEC title game

With the win, Alabama advances to the SEC Championship Game next Saturday where the Crimson Tide will face Georgia in Atlanta.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football instant reactions to Iron Bowl win vs. Auburn Tigers