21/11/2023
CLASSIC IRON BOWLS: 1985 - "The Kick"
The game is known simply as "The Kick", the name Daniel Moore gave to his painting that depicted Van Tiffin's game-winning 52-yard field goal. At the time, it was arguably the best Alabama - Auburn game of all time. It may be still.
There were 4 lead changes in the fourth quarter alone. Twice Alabama fell behind by scores that would make any student of Alabama football cringe (17-16 "Punt Bama Punt" -1972 and 23-22 "Bo Over the Top" -1982).
Auburn held the 23-22 lead with just 57 seconds remaining.
Alabama took the ball at its own 20-yard line, needing to get to the Auburn 40 for any chance at a game-winning field goal.
The first two plays gave no indication that the Tide would mount a successful drive. Quarterback Mike Shula was nearly intercepted on first down, and was sacked for any 8-yard loss on second down. The Tide used its last time out.
37 seconds left.....3rd & 18 from the 12.....Shula to Gene Jelks for 14.....out of bounds to stop the clock......29 seconds left
4th & 4.......Reverse to Al Bell.....a great block by Shula....a gain of 20 to the Alabama 46 yard line.......
21 seconds.......1st down......incomplete pass.......15 seconds
Shula connects with Greg Richardson across the middle. Richardson outraces the Auburn defenders to the sideline to stop the clock. He gets to the 35-yard line.
6 seconds.......time for Van Tiffin. He's already made field goals of 26, 32, and 42 yards, but missed from.......52 yards.
This 52-yarder is into the wind. He nails it. The kick absolutely split the uprights and might have been good from 60 yards.
Alabama 25 - Auburn 23
The State of Alabama is CRIMSON.
Here's The Dive and The Kick as called by the legendary Keith Jackson....
Alabama's brilliant comeback against Auburn in the 1985 Iron Bowl capped off by Van Tiffin's beautiful 52 yard field goal.NOTICE: I claim no ownership of thi...