Alabama football holds strong vs Auburn, Crimson Tide postgame grades

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AUBURN — With an SEC championship on the line, with College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance with every snap at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Alabama survived against Auburn.

Even as the Tigers stormed back from a 17-point deficit, Alabama held on, beating Auburn 27-20 for the Crimson Tide's sixth-straight Iron Bowl win, but one that kept Alabama's hopes and dreams alive.

Here's how Alabama football graded out in its Iron Bowl win against Auburn:

Alabama football offense: B-

Ty Simpson was fired up pregame ahead of his first Iron Bowl start. But early, the Alabama quarterback was scattered. He was inconsistent overthrowing and trying to navigate a ruthless Auburn pass rush. But Alabama ran the ball. And that success opened up the pass game in the red zone. But Simpson, in the midst of his struggles, gave Alabama a chance, which was all it needed.

Alabama defense: B

Three-and-outs ruled Auburn’s first half, with each drive ending in either a punt or a field goal. The Crimson Tide showcased consistent pressure on Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels, with defensive backs frequently batting pass attempts down. Alabama's second half brought struggles. Auburn brought consistency in the pass game and explosive plays to silence the Crimson Tide's defensive prowess, even with a turnover. Alabama showcased the entirety of its identity against Auburn, the good and the bad. And the ultimate result? It was enough.

Alabama special teams: B+

Blake Doud gave Alabama a significant advantage in the battle for field position, landing multiple punts inside the 20-yard line and adding a punt for more than 50 yards. Conor Talty, after missing field goals against LSU, Oklahoma and Eastern Illinois, connected multiple field goals, including a 46-yard attempt. Special teams kept Alabama’s advantage against Auburn. 

Alabama coaching: A

When Alabama needed a score, Kalen DeBoer went for the jugular. Sitting at the Auburn 6-yard line, facing a fourth-and-2 in a tie game, DeBoer kept his offense on the field and set up Ty Simpson's third touchdown pass to Isaiah Horton. DeBoer showed his aggression, his boldness and his trust in an offense that had been sputtering. Big risk paid off in a major way for Alabama.

Alabama overall vs. Auburn: B

The Iron Bowl held all of Alabama's hopes. And the Crimson Tide held on for dear life.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama holds strong vs Auburn, Crimson Tide postgame grades

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