Auburn, Ala.– ty simpson And isaiah horton Connected on three touchdowns, one on a fourth-down play in the final minutes, and No. 10 alabama ran away golden brown color with win 27-20 Saturday night at the Iron Bowl.
Alabama advances to face fourth-ranked Georgia in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game in Atlanta the following week and improve its chances of making the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide (10-2, 7-1) defeated Georgia 24-21 in the regular season.
Alabama was on the move again at Jordan-Hare Stadium. After the Tide led 17–0 early in the second quarter, the score was tied. But Simpson found Horton on fourth-and-2 from the Auburn 6 with 3:50 remaining in the game.
“He didn’t panic at all,” Alabama coach Kellen DeBoer said of Simpson. “The experiences we got throughout the season put him in that spot and he took advantage of it.”
This was the third and most important hookup of the night for Simpson and Horton. The two also connected on 6- and 3-yard scores in the first half. But instead of kicking a sure field goal attempt, DeBoer gambled with his offense and then celebrated his first trip to the SEC title game.
“It starts with our head coach,” Simpson said. “It comes from that, our resiliency and it carries over down the line. What a great team win.”
Simpson completed 19 of 35 passes for a season-low 122 yards. Horton had five catches for 35 yards and all three scores coming in the red zone. Alabama won despite losing 280 total yards.
“These guys, they give you everything they’ve got every day,” DeBoer said, pausing to gather his emotions. “It’s been a long road, but I can’t wait to do more with them next weekend.”
of alabama jame miller Ran for 83 yards before leaving due to injury.
ashton daniels Led Auburn (5-7, 1-7) with 259 passing and 108 yards rushing. malcolm simmons Two long passes were thrown, including a 64-yarder for a touchdown and a 66-yarder that set up a score. But Auburn, which had done such a solid job of limiting turnovers this season, got the ball late and failed to become bowl-eligible under interim coach DJ Durkin.
Daniels took advantage of a pass interference penalty to lead the Tigers and scramble for a first down on fourth down and second down, but star receiver Cam Coleman Fumbled with 33 seconds remaining.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
