78th Iron Bowl
Jordan–Hare Stadium, the site of the game.
Alabama Crimson Tide Auburn Tigers (11–0) (10–1) 28 34 Head coach:  Nick Saban Head coach:  Gus Malzahn AP Coaches BCS 1[1] 1[2] 1[3] AP Coaches BCS 4[4] 5[2] 4[5]
1 2 3 4 Total Alabama 0 21 0 7 28 Auburn 7 7 7 13 34
Date	November 30, 2013
Season	2013
Stadium	Jordan–Hare Stadium
Location	Auburn, Alabama
Favorite	Alabama by 10[6]
Referee	Matt Austin[7]
Attendance	87,451[7]
United States TV coverage
Network	CBS[8]
Announcers	Verne Lundquist (play-by-play) Gary Danielson (color) Tracy Wolfson (sideline)
Nielsen ratings	8.2[9]

TheKick Six (also known asKick Bama Kick) was the final play of the 78thIron Bowlcollege football game played on November 30, 2013, atJordan–Hare Stadium inAuburn, Alabama. The game featured the No. 1–ranked and two-time defending national championAlabama Crimson Tide (11–0, 7–0 in theSEC) as a 10-point favorite over the No. 4-rankedAuburn Tigers (10–1, 6–1 in the SEC). The game had significant postseason implications, with both teams ranked in the top 5 and a berth to theSEC Championship Game and, potentially, theBCS National Championship Game, at stake.^[10]

After falling behind in the 2nd quarter and then again in the 4th, Auburn rallied to tie the game at 28–28 with 32 seconds remaining. After the ensuingkickoff, Alabama quickly moved to the Auburn 38-yard line, at which point the clock ran out, seemingly sending the game to overtime. Alabama coachNick Saban challenged the timekeeping call and one second was put back on the clock after avideo review. The Crimson Tide lined up for a potential game-winning 57-yardfield goal and the kick was short, allowing Auburn'sChris Davis, who had been positioned near the goal line, to catch the ball just in front of the goal posts. Davis ran across the entire field through players from both teams to the oppositeend zone, improbably scoring the winningtouchdown for Auburn on the last play of the game.

The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 87,451 and televised nationwide onCBS, posting an 8.2Nielsen rating with over 13 million viewers during the final half-hour, making it the most watched regular season game of the2013 college football season.^[11] Some sportswriters have argued that Davis' return is the single greatest moment in college football history.^[12] At the2014 ESPY Awards, it was named the best play and the best game of the year in all of North American sports.^[13] In the years following the game, the name "Kick Six", a variant of the term "pick-six", has been commonly used to identify both the final play and the game.

Following the game, Alabama played in theSugar Bowl, falling toOklahoma 45–31. Auburn won theSEC Championship Game and went on to play in theBCS National Championship Game, where they lost toFlorida State, 34–31.

The football programs representing theUniversity of Alabama andAuburn University first met in 1893 and have played every year since 1948.^[14] Over time the twoin-state foes developed a rivalry (culminating every year at theIron Bowl) that is considered to be one of the best and fiercest in all of college football.^{[15][16][17][18]} Entering the game, Alabama held the series lead with a 42–34–1 record.^[19]

The two teams came into the 2013 season following drastically different 2012 seasons. Despite an upset at the hands ofTexas A&M,Alabama ultimately finished asSEC champions aftera close game against theGeorgia Bulldogs and went on to soundly defeatNotre Dame 42–14 for theirsecond consecutive national title, and their third in four years, cementing themselves as adynasty under head coachNick Saban.^[20][21] Meanwhile, two years after their ownNational Championship victory, theAuburn Tigers suffered through their worst season in 60 years, finishing 3–9 with an 0–8 SEC record, capped by a 49–0 loss to Alabama in the 2012 Iron Bowl–their second consecutive blowout loss in the game.^[22] Head coachGene Chizik was fired at the end of the season in favor ofArkansas State head coach and former Auburn offensive coordinatorGus Malzahn.^[23]

Alabama entered the 2013 season ranked #1 and remained at the top of the polls for the entire season, rolling through their schedule with relative ease, winning all but one of their games (Texas A&M) by more than 10 points.^[24] Auburn, on the other hand, entered the season unranked and did not enter the AP Poll until the midpoint of the season.^[25] Auburn's season was defined by a series of come-from-behind wins and close finishes.^[26][27] Auburn defeatedMississippi State in September on a late touchdown pass.^[28] The following month, No. 24 Auburn came from behind on the road to beat No. 7 Texas A&M.^[29] Following the victory against Texas A&M, Auburn was ranked #11 in theAP poll.^[30] Two weeks before the Iron Bowl, No. 7 Auburn defeatedrivalGeorgia with a tippedHail Mary pass known as the "Prayer at Jordan–Hare", setting the stage for a highly ranked Iron Bowl matchup.^[31][32]

Alabama was predicted by analysts to conclude the 2013–14 season with a BCS record third straight national title, their fourth in five years.^[33] The winner of the previous four Iron Bowls (2009–2012) went on to win the national championship: Alabama in 2009, 2011, and 2012, and Auburn in 2010.^[34] Entering the 2013 Iron Bowl, Alabama and Auburn were ranked No. 1 and No. 4 respectively in theBCS rankings, making it only the second matchup in the history of the rivalry to feature two Top 5 teams, and the highest-ranked Iron Bowl ever.^[35] It was also the first Iron Bowl in which both teams were playing for a berth to the SEC Championship. Alabama entered the game undefeated in the previous three years and 24 days in games played outside of theirhome field inTuscaloosa, their last loss prior to those 18 consecutive road victories coming on November 6, 2010, atLSU.^[36][37]

With Alabama favored by 10 points, Auburn was a decided underdog in the eyes of most analysts.^[6] Marq Burnett of the Alabama-basedAnniston Star went as far as to list seven reasons why Auburn could not beat Alabama, including Alabama's tough run defense, perceived unstoppable offense, and the superior coaching skills ofNick Saban overGus Malzahn.^[10] Joel Erickson ofThe Birmingham News was one of the few writers to pick Auburn, predicting a score of 31–28.^[38] Similar predictions were shared duringESPN'sCollege GameDay, which was broadcast live from outsideJordan–Hare Stadium prior to the game.^[39] The program's panel ofKirk Herbstreit,David Pollack, andLee Corso, as well asPaul Finebaum, unanimously picked Alabama to win the game.^[39][40] Auburn alumnus andNBA on TNT personalityCharles Barkley, who appeared as a celebrity guest, went against the panel and chose Auburn to win the game.^[41]

The game began with Auburn'sCody Parkeykicking off to Alabama'sChristion Jones, who returned the kick to the Alabama 24-yard line. On the game's first play from scrimmage, Alabamarunning backT.J. Yeldon ran for 31 yards into Auburn territory. Alabama thendrove to the Auburn 26-yard line before Yeldon was stopped on 3rd and 2. On 4th down,Cade Foster attempted a 44-yardfield goal for the Tide, but narrowly missed left.^[7][33] On Auburn's first offensive snapCorey Grant would run for 14 yards to the Auburn 42-yard line. The Tigers drive would soon stall out, withRicardo Louis dropping a slightly off target deep pass on 3rd down, forcing apunt.^[7] Alabama was then held to seven yards, goingthree-and-out.^[7] After getting the ball back, Auburn's offense moved down the field with a seven-play, 66-yard drive capped off by a 45-yardtouchdown run byquarterbackNick Marshall to give Auburn a 7–0 lead.^[7] It was the Tigers' first offensive touchdown against Alabama since 2010.^[42] On the ensuing drive, Alabama again went three-and-out and punted. Auburn's offensive spark was short-lived as the Tigers gained just 8 yards on their next drive and were forced to punt the ball back to Alabama. The quarter ended with Auburn leading 7–0.^[7]

Following a slow start in the first quarter, Alabama stormed back quickly with an 11-play, 67-yard touchdown drive culminating with anA.J. McCarron touchdown pass toJalston Fowler to tie the game 7–7. On the next drive,Landon Collins forced and recovered afumble of Auburn running backTre Mason, giving the Tide the ball back with favorable field position. Alabama capitalized on the turnover with McCarron throwing his second touchdown pass of the quarter, this time toKevin Norwood to make the score 14–7. The Tigers' woes continued on the following drive, losing 9 yards, going three and out, and punting the ball back to the Tide. Alabama took just five plays to drive the length of the field with Yeldon scoring on a 1-yard rush to move the score to 21–7 in favor of Alabama. On the following drive, the Auburn offense came back to life with a 40-yard Tre Mason rush sparking an 81-yard drive ending in a touchdown run by Mason to cut the deficit to 21–14 in favor of Alabama athalftime.^[7]

Under Saban, Alabama had a record of 73–3 when leading at halftime.^[33] Auburn received the kickoff in the second half and drove 69 yards to tie the game 21–21 on aC.J. Uzomah touchdown reception. On the following drive Alabama failed to gain a yard and punted the ball back to Auburn. Auburn drove into Alabama territory before stalling out and punting, downing the punt at the Alabama 1-yard line. On their first two plays of the drive, Alabama would gain just one yard.^[7] Facing a 3rd and 9 from their own 2-yard line, McCarron foundAmari Cooper for a 54-yard completion to extend the drive. Alabama then drove to the Auburn 22, where on 1st down, McCarron threw to a streaking Cooper in the end zone but Cooper dropped the would-be touchdown. Following the drop Alabama picked up another first down to reach the Auburn 11-yard line as the quarter came to the a close.^[7]

Alabama's drive came to a halt following two incomplete passes and afalse start penalty that moved the offense back five yards, nullifying the first successful field goal attempt of the game.^[7][43] The Crimson Tide then missed their second field goal of the game.^[7] Later in the quarter another Auburn punt was downed at the Alabama 1-yard line.^[7] McCarron then threw a 99-yard touchdown pass to Cooper, giving Alabama a 28–21 lead with 10:28 remaining in the game.^[7] It was the longest pass play in Crimson Tide football history.^[44] On the next drive Auburn faced a 4th and 1 on their own 35-yard line. Marshall kept the ball on aread option play but failed to gain the yard needed, and Auburnturned the ball over on downs. Alabama started the ensuing drive with excellent field position, and was soon faced with a 4th and 1 on the Auburn 13-yard line. Rather than attempting a short field goal, Nick Saban elected to try and go for a touchdown on 4th down, likely due to the two missed field goals byCade Foster earlier in the game. On the 4th-down try, Yeldon was stopped at the line of scrimmage by true freshman defensive endCarl Lawson and Alabama, like Auburn on the previous drive, turned the ball over on downs. Auburn started the next drive deep in their own territory, and following asack, were faced with a 3rd and 19. On 3rd down, Ricardo Louis broke free downfield, but Marshall's pass was slightly overthrown, falling incomplete off of Louis's fingertips, forcing the Tigers to punt. Following a 25-yard punt return by Christion Jones, Alabama once again started a drive deep in Auburn territory with a chance to take a two-possession lead, this time at the 25-yard line. Alabama went three-and-out before Foster had his 44-yard field goal blocked, his third missed field goal of the game. Auburn got the ball off the blocked field goal trailing 28-21 with 2:41 left in the game, and drove to the Alabama 39-yard line in six plays.^[7]

With 32 seconds remaining, Nick Marshall scrambled to his left. As he was nearing theline of scrimmage, Alabama cornerHa Ha Clinton-Dix ran toward Marshall to attempt a tackle, leaving receiverSammie Coates open; Marshall quickly tossed the ball to Coates just before crossing the line of scrimmage for a game-tying 39-yard touchdown.^[7][44][45] On the ensuing possession, with seven seconds left in the game, Alabama ran to Auburn's 38-yard line as T. J. Yeldon was knocked out of bounds bydefensive backChris Davis while the game clock expired. Saban argued to the referees that Yeldon had stepped out of bounds with one second left in regulation.^[45][46] Saban's argument was validated by the instant replay officials, who put one second back on the clock. Rather than take aknee and go toovertime, Alabama attempted to win the game with a 57-yard field goal, this time with freshmanAdam Griffith taking the kick instead of the struggling Foster.^[33] Before the kick, Auburn took a timeout in an attempt toice the kicker.^[7][33][47] Auburn's defensive coordinator,Ellis Johnson, doubted Alabama would make the long field goal and suggested that a speedy player stand in the end zone with the potential to return a missed field goal.^[48] Malzahn then put Chris Davis, who doubled as Auburn'spunt returner, in the end zone for the return in the event of a miss.^{[49][50][33][48]} As the field goal attempt fell short, Davis fielded the ball nine yards deep in the end zone and ran down the left sideline.^[49][51][33] Due to Alabama's field goal unit being made up mostly of heavyoffensive linemen, and strong blocking by Auburn, Davis ran untouched all the way to the opposite end zone as time expired to win the game 34–28, causing Auburn fans tostorm the field in celebration.^{[51][33][52][53]}

The crowd reaction during the game's final play registered on seismographs across the state of Alabama, in a manner similar to activity registered during the 1988 Auburn–LSU "Earthquake Game".^[54]

CommentatorsVerne Lundquist andGary Danielson called the game on television nationally forCBS's SEC coverage.Lundquist's call of the last play:

On the way... No! Returned by Chris Davis. Davis goes left, Davis gets a block, Davis has another block! Chris Davis! No flags! Touchdown, Auburn! An answered prayer!^[55]

Gary Danielson later compared the game to the legendaryMiracle on Ice, equating Auburn's upset of Alabama to the amateurUSA hockey team defeating the powerhouseSoviet Union team during the1980 Winter Olympics.^[56] In a 2020 interview, Lundquist called the play the greatest sporting moment he ever witnessed.^[57]

CommentatorsRod Bramblett andStan White called the game on radio for the AuburnIMG Sports Network.Bramblett's call of the last play:

All right, here we go. 56-yarder, it's got—no, does not have the leg. And Chris Davis takes it in the back of the end zone. He'll run it out to the 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 45—There goes Davis! Davis is gonna run it all the way back! Auburn's gonna win the football game! Auburn's gonna win the football game! He ran the missed field goal back! He ran it back 109 yards! They're not gonna keep 'em off the field tonight! Holy cow! Oh, my God! Auburn wins! Auburn has won the Iron Bowl! Auburn has won the Iron Bowl in the most unbelievable fashion you will ever see! I cannot believe it! 34–28! And we thought 'A Miracle in Jordan-Hare' was amazing! Oh, my Lord in Heaven! Chris Davis just ran it 109 yards, and Auburn is going to the championship game!^[58]

Bramblett's passionate call of the final play quickly went viral, garnering him national media attention and resulted in Bramblett being named the Sports Broadcaster of the Year bySports Illustrated.^[59][60] The call has since been assessed as one of the greatest announcer calls in recent sports history, being described byThe New York Times as "the Call of a Lifetime".^{[61][62][63][64]}

Auburn's win not only ended Alabama's bid for a third straight national title, but moved Auburn to third in the BCS standings.^[66] The Tigers beatMissouri 59–42 in the SEC Championship Game. After #2Ohio State's loss toMichigan State in theBig Ten Championship Game,^[67] Auburn moved into second place in the BCS and secured a place in theBCS National Championship Game, where they ultimately lost to theFlorida State Seminoles 34–31. Auburn's loss to Florida State ended the SEC's streak of seven consecutive national championship victories.^[68][69] At the conclusion of the season, Auburn's Gus Malzahn won theSEC Coach of the Year award^[70] and received a six-year contract extension worth $3.85m per year.^[71] Alabama's A.J. McCarron and Auburn's Tre Mason were 2013Heisman Trophy finalists with McCarron finishing 2nd and Mason finishing 6th.

Immediately following the game, some sportswriters began describing the game as among the greatest in college football history, with Davis's return being described as one of the sport's greatest moments.^[72][73][74]Pat Forde, then a columnist forYahoo! Sports, stated that:

It was, quite simply, the most astounding ending ever to a college football game. I was at theBoise State–OklahomaFiesta Bowl in 2007; this tops it. More at stake, and even more shock value on the final play (minusthe player proposing to his girlfriend on the field).^[75]

An article inUSA Today described the back-to-back victories with the analogy that lightning struck twice, with the Georgia game being "one of the greatest finishes to a college football game" and the Alabama upset "perhaps the greatest play in college football history".The Birmingham News called the Auburn victory their "latest miracle finish ... even more stunning than the first" while theNews & Record described the game as "possibly the greatest college football game ever played."^[44][76] In 2015, college football fans voted the final play the greatest in college football history.^[77] At the2014 ESPY Awards, which recognized the greatest achievements sporting achievements in 2013, the game won the award forBest Game.^[78][79] The game-winning touchdown return was also namedBest Play at the ESPYs, beating out three other nominees including Auburn'sPrayer at Jordan-Hare against Georgia.^[78][79]

After the game, the press identified Alabama'sAchilles' heel: the kicking game. In reference to their four unsuccessful field goal attempts, writers called the game "Kick Bama Kick", in reference to the 1972 Iron Bowl, nicknamed "Punt Bama Punt".^[49] At 6:43 p.m., just 18 minutes after of the conclusion of the game, Jon Solomon ofThe Birmingham News posted an article titled "Kick Bama Kick", but included anonline poll allowing readers to select their favorite moniker.^[80] Among seven proposed titles, "Kick Bama Kick" won by a landslide. Ryan Black of theLedger–Enquirer inColumbus, Georgia titled an article "Kick, Bama, kick" within hours of the game's completion.^[49][51] Frank Cooney ofYahoo! Sports, who noted that the game will be "forever secured" in the discussion for the most dramatic college football game in history, also titled his piece "Kick Bama Kick" that evening.^[46] In the years following the game, the "Kick Six" has emerged as the most enduring name for the game, used by most media outlets, Auburn, and theNCAA to refer to both the play and the game.^[81][82][83]

The term "Kick Six" has since been used to refer to other instances of blocked or missed field goals being returned for a touchdown, as in anNFL game on November 30, 2015, by theBaltimore Ravens against theCleveland Browns.^[84] The term is a play on the term "pick six", which refers to an interception being returned for a touchdown.

• ESPN box score of the 2013 Iron Bowl
• "The Kick Six, Auburn's Iron Bowl miracle vs. Alabama, deserves a deep rewind".SB Nation. November 20, 2018 – viaYouTube.
• 2013 Iron Bowl ending HIGH DEFINITION Auburn beats Alabama
• 2013 Iron Bowl – #1 Alabama vs. #4 Auburn (HD)
• Auburn vs. Alabama 2013 – Winning TD (Auburn Announcers)
• #Auburn's Final Play in Iron Bowl: Chris Davis Return for TD

32°36′9.391″N85°29′20.3324″W / 32.60260861°N 85.488981222°W /32.60260861; -85.488981222

• Iron Bowl
• Alabama Crimson Tide football games
• Auburn Tigers football games
• 2013 Southeastern Conference football season
• 2013 in sports in Alabama
• American college football incidents
• Nicknamed sporting events
• November 2013 sports events in the United States

• Pages using gadget WikiMiniAtlas
• Articles with short description
• Short description is different from Wikidata
• Good articles
• Use mdy dates from February 2024
• Coordinates on Wikidata