The Kick Six: A Miracle Moment in Auburn Football History
In the storied history of college football, few moments have captivated audiences quite like the Kick Six. It was a moment that defied logic, transcended the sport, and became a cultural phenomenon. It was a moment of pure bliss for Auburn fans, a memory they will cherish for the rest of their lives. While it was a moment of disbelief for Alabama fans, a nightmare they still can’t wake up from.
On November 30th, 2013, the college football world watched in awe as Auburn and Alabama clashed in the annual Iron Bowl. The stakes were high, as they always are in this heated rivalry. But no one could have predicted what was about to happen. With just one second remaining on the clock and the score tied at 28, Alabama lined up for a game-winning field goal. As the ball flew through the air, many thought the kick was good initially, but fans quickly recognized that the kick was short as the ball started falling closer to the ground. Just before the ball hit the ground, Auburn cornerback Chris Davis shockingly caught the ball in the back of the end zone. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. Davis ran the ball 109 yards back for a touchdown, avoiding multiple tackles and outrunning the entire Alabama team in the process. The stadium erupted into pandemonium as Auburn fans flooded the field, leaving Alabama fans stunned.
The Kick Six was not just a moment of triumph for Auburn but a moment that symbolized the spirit and magic of college football. It was a reminder that anything can happen on any given play, and that the impossible can become possible in the blink of an eye. It was a moment that united a fan base, that provided hope for future success, and it was a moment that will be remembered for generations to come.
But how did we get to this point? What led up to this incredible moment in Auburn football history? To understand the significance of the Kick Six, we must first look back at the season that preceded it.
The 2013 season was a rollercoaster ride for Auburn fans. After a disappointing 3-9 record the previous year, expectations were low. But under the leadership of head coach Gus Malzahn, the Tigers started the season strong. They won their first three games and went on to beat Ole Miss and Texas A&M in back-to-back weeks. But it was their matchup against top-ranked Alabama that would define their season.
Alabama entered the Iron Bowl as the overwhelming favorite. They were the reigning national champions, and their dominance over college football was undisputed. But Auburn had other plans. They kept the game close throughout, and it all came down to that fateful final play.
As Davis returned the missed field goal for a touchdown, the Auburn sideline erupted into pandemonium. But the celebration was far from over. The play was reviewed to ensure that Davis had not stepped out of bounds or committed a penalty. Once the call was confirmed, the party continued. Auburn fans stormed the field while Alabama fans sat in stunned silence.
For Auburn, the Kick Six was more than just a win. It was a moment of redemption and vindication after a tough season the previous year. It was a moment that announced to the world that Auburn football was back, that they were a force to be reckoned with once again, and it was a moment that would forever be etched in the memories of Auburn fans.
Years later, the Kick Six remains one of the greatest moments in college football history. It has been replayed countless times on television, and it is still a topic of discussion among sports fans everywhere. But for Auburn fans, it is more than just a moment in time. It is a symbol of hope, perseverance, and never giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you. And it is a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is always the potential for greatness.
The Kick Six has also had a lasting impact on the sport of football itself. It has influenced the way coaches approach the end of games, particularly in situations where a field goal attempt is the difference between victory and defeat. Some coaches now opt to keep their offense on the field to prevent a potential return, rather than sending out their special teams unit.
The Kick Six also helped to cement the Iron Bowl as one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports. For decades, Alabama and Auburn have battled it out on the gridiron, with each game carrying its own significance. But the Kick Six elevated the rivalry to a new level. It created a moment that will forever be associated with this storied matchup, a moment that will always be a part of its history.
In conclusion, the Kick Six was not just a great sports moment, but a moment that transcended the sport itself. It was a moment that united a fan base, that provided hope for future success, and that will forever be etched in the memories of those who witnessed it. And while Auburn fans may never experience anything quite like the Kick Six again, they can take solace in the fact that they were a part of something truly special.
