Ten Pieces of Auburn History I'm Thankful For

Today is the day we gather with our families to remember and celebrate all that we have to be thankful for in life. And we have so much to be thankful for.

I am very thankful for the my loving and very sarcastic family, my stunning and ridiculously awesome girlfriend, the roof over my head, the food in my mouth, and most of all, the eternal love of my Heavenly Father.

I could go on for hours, even days, about how thankful I am for all of these things and more, but that will get really sappy and personal. And I know you don’t want that.

So I’ll talk about something else that I’m thankful for and can put a lighter, less sentimental tone to: Auburn football.

As I think upon all of the wonderful blessings in life I’ve been given, my thoughts can’t help but eventually wander toward The Plains. I have witnessed countless incredible moments as an Auburn football fan, enough to write a book about (... so I did).

It was difficult to do so, but I narrowed down a list of about 38 to a list of ten. And that list is ten moments/seasons/plays/pieces of history in Auburn football that I’m thankful for.

Although I did personally witness quite a few of these moments, I am also thankful for the significance of Auburn football before my time.

And don’t think that there are only ten moments in Auburn’s history that I appreciate; these are just the ten that I decided on this week.

Ask me again in a few days, and the list might look completely different.


10. Hard Fighting Soldiers

The 2004 Auburn Tigers were the only real undefeated team of my lifetime. Yes, there was the undefeated 1993 year, but due to probation, the Tigers weren't allowed to participate in any postseason games. It didn't quite feel like an undefeated season.

But in 2004, Auburn came together as brothers on and off the field to overcome the adversity of the previous year and complete one of the school's best football seasons.

And just for the record, I think Auburn would have beaten USC if they hadn't been snubbed from the national championship that year.

9. Honk If You Sacked Brodie

The year after Auburn's undefeated SEC championship season, the Tigers didn't quite maintain their level of success from 2004, but that didn't stop them from putting on a memorable performance against their cross-state arch rivals.

Auburn's defense put on a show, sacking Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle an astounding 12 times on the way to a 28-18 victory.

The win marked Auburn's fourth straight over the Crimson Tide at that juncture.

8. Cam's Heisman Run

This run was the true defining play of Cam Newton's tremendous ability and star power during his magical season at Auburn.

In a dazzling display of speed, agility, balance, and determination, Newton leapt ahead of the Heisman race while leading Auburn to another victory on its way to a championship.


7. Punt, Bama, Punt

An improbable set of plays to say the least, this sequence of events is easily one of the most remarkable in the history of Auburn football and the Iron Bowl.

Trailing Alabama 16-3 late in the game, Auburn's Bill Newton blocked a Crimson Tide punt, which bounced right into the hands of David Langner, who ran the block in for a touchdown.

Almost inexplicably so, Newton blocked another punt minutes later, and who should pick it up but Langner, who scored his second touchdown of the day.

The two blocked punts gave Auburn the 17-16 victory, served up one of the most painful finishes imaginable, and created an amazing catchphrase/taunt along the way.

6. 1957 National Champions

This team could be considered the best in Auburn football history.

The 1957 squad was utterly dominant, giving up 28 total points through ten games and pitching six shutouts.

The Tigers defeated Florida State 29-7 and Alabama 40-0 on the way to an undefeated season and an undisputed national championship.

5. The "Camback"

In my humble opinion, this is the greatest comeback in all of college football history. Facing a 24-point deficit on the road against Alabama, top-ranked Auburn mounted an incredible comeback victory over the Crimson Tide.

The win kept Auburn's national championship hopes alive, as well as preserving a dream season. Cam Newton showed his true mettle as he led the Tigers to one of the most remarkable finishes in school history.

And this is only the second-most painful defeat served to Alabama.


4. Bo Over the Top

Some point to this play as the true beginning of the legend of Bo Jackson. Just a freshman at the time, the greatest athlete of all time hadn't yet made his signature play.

What better time to do that than against Alabama?

Trailing the Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter and facing fourth down and goal, Auburn needed a touchdown. Naturally, they turned to their freshman superstar. 

The rest is history. A legend was born.


3. Prayer At Jordan-Hare

This is hands-down the most jaw-dropping, ridiculous, can-you-believe-it play that I or any other Auburn fan has ever witnessed. This play was insanity incarnate.

Although it shouldn't have been necessary (just had to blow that 20-point lead, eh, Auburn?), this play has all of the signs of a true miracle.

When else does a Hail Mary on fourth and 18 actually work? Never. Until now.

It's amusing to keep watching the replay and seeing Nick Marshall keeping his eyes downfield, and just saying, "Oh, what the heck?" as he lofts a Hail Mary to the sky.

Someone in Athens needs to teach these Georgia kids to knock the ball down.


2. National Championship Kick

This kick sealed the deal. Auburn had finally won its first national championship in over 50 years. The Tigers had finally done it.

Amidst all of the controversy, Cam Newton, Gene Chizik, and the Auburn Tigers emerged victorious and on top of the college football world with this kick.

Everything about this game was incredible, down to the last minute. But nothing captures the spirit of the game better than seeing Byrum's kick perfectly split the uprights as Rod Bramblett yells, "Auburn wins!"


1. Kick Six

By far the most painful loss that Alabama has ever suffered. By far the greatest finish that Auburn has ever completed.

The Kick Six gets my vote for the greatest college football play of all time.

What else can you say? This play single-handedly vaulted Auburn into the SEC and national championships, capping off the sport's best comeback story.

With all that was at stake for both teams (each ranked in the top five), this game was hyped up as one of the biggest matchups in recent history. It didn't disappoint.

Less than a year after the worst season in school history, the Tigers made Alabama kick Auburn's winning touchdown.