On Saturday November 30, down in Auburn Alabama, the annual Iron Bowl took place at Jordan-Hare Stadium where the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide were set to take on the fourth ranked Auburn Tigers.

The stage was set, number one vs. number four, Alabama vs. Auburn, the Iron Bowl. Both teams fighting for a chance to go to Atlanta and to play for the SEC title and possible BCS National Championship bid.

Coming in, no one was sure as to whom the clear favorite was in this game; however the edge was given to Alabama. Not only was Alabama number one in the nation, but the Tide are two-time defending champions led by senior quarterback AJ McCarron.

The Tide went into the game at 11-0 and 7-0 in the SEC, whereas the Tigers went into Saturday’s game led by quarterback Nick Marshall, with a 10-1 record and a 6-1 record in the SEC with their only loss coming at the hands of LSU in late September.

It was finally time; the most anticipated College Football game of the year was set to kick off and so it did.

The first quarter started the game off slowly. Only seven points were scored in the first quarter courtesy of a Nick Marshall touchdown run and after one quarter, Auburn led Alabama 7-0. Things picked up quickly in the second quarter after a 3 yard touchdown reception by Jalston Fowler from AJ McCarron and just like that the game was tied 7-7. Just three minutes later Alabama scored again when Kevin Norwood was on the receiving end of a 20 yard touchdown pass from AJ McCarron and just like that Alabama led Auburn 14-7.

About 11 minutes into the first half the Tide struck again on a TJ Yeldon touchdown run from one yard out to extend the Alabama lead to 21-7 with 4 minutes remaining in the half. However, Auburn answered quickly with 1:40 left in the half, after running back Tre Mason ran one in from one yard out and shrunk the Alabama lead to seven just before the half. Going into halftime, Alabama led Auburn 21-14.

The stage was set for the second half and it would prove to be thrilling.

Auburn struck right out of the gate in the second half courtesy of a 13 yard touchdown reception by CJ Uzomah from Nick Marshall and just like that things were all square at 21 all. However, those would be the only points scored in the third quarter.

Then came along the fourth quarter which was sure to be one for the history books.

About five minutes into the final quarter of play Alabama struck and in a big way. Pinned against their own one yard line AJ McCarron found Amari Cooper for a 99 yard touchdown giving Alabama a 28-21 lead with a little over 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Auburn was given one final offensive possession with 2:41 left on the clock and the Tigers capitalized. With 32 seconds left in the game Nick Marshall found receiver Sammie Coates for a 39 touchdown pass which tied the game at 28 all. Alabama took the kickoff anfd drove the ball into Auburn territory. On what was thought to be the final play, Alabama coach Nick Saban challenged the play to see if there was any time remaining after Alabama running back TJ Yeldon went out of bounds. The play was then reviewd and one second was put back on the clock. This allowed Alabama to send out the field goal unit. And then history happened.

Alabama freshman kicker Adam Griffith sent the ball on its way from 56 yards out and it came up just short. Auburn return man Chris Davis caught the ball in the end zone and ran it out. Davis got one block and then another and just like that Davis was at the 50 yard line with one man to beat and that’s exactly what he did. Davis took the missed field goal 109 yards to the end zone with no time left on the clock giving Auburn a 34-28 victory over top-ranked Alabama in miracle fashion.

Auburn upset Alabama on a last second return with no time left. The Tide along with the rest of the sports world was absolutely shocked at what happened that night. This game was one for the history books, and some considered it one of the greatest sports endings in history.

And so it was “The Prayer at Jordan-Hare.”