College Football

Alabama Steamrolls Auburn In Iron Bowl

Updated Nov. 29, 2020 9:09 p.m. ET

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Roll, Tide, roll.

The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide laid an absolute beatdown on the No. 22 Auburn Tigers in Tuscaloosa, dominating from start to finish in a 42-13 victory in the 2020 edition of the Iron Bowl.

Check out the three biggest takeaways from the latest installment of this fierce rivalry.

1. A friendly reminder: Alabama's offense is scary 

Auburn entered Saturday having not allowed more than 30 points in a single contest this season.

That changed decisively as Alabama added to its SEC record 21 consecutive games of scoring at least 30.

Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones tossed five touchdown passes, spreading the love all around, and Najee Harris added a score on the ground.

And with it, Harris boasts the most rushing touchdowns in the nation (17).

Meanwhile, Heisman front-runner Jones hooked up with DeVonta Smith for two TDs and 171 yards.

A week ago, Smith took sole possession of the conference record for TD catches, and he only added to that Saturday, raising his career total to 33.

The Crimson Tide was a three-plus touchdown favorite over Auburn, marking the largest spread for the game since 2012, according to FOX Bet. And with the help of their prolific offense, they covered with ease. 

2. Iron sharpens iron ... but not in Tuscaloosa

Since 1893, the Tide and Tigers have battled in one of the most heated rivalries in college football.

In the 85 matchups, Alabama owns a 47-37-1 series edge over Auburn (.554), but the Tigers had won two of the last three, including a 48-45 thriller last year.

Still, Auburn hasn't registered a win in Tuscaloosa since 2010, a streak that continued Saturday.

Against the Tigers, coach Nick Saban is 11-8 all-time against Auburn, including an 8-5 mark in the Iron Bowl. 

Speaking of Saban ...

3. Saban sidelined due to COVID-19

Saturday was the first time in Saban's 47 years of coaching that he missed a game, as he tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.

It was also the first time since 2006 that Alabama played without Saban.

Due to NCAA rules, coaches cannot communicate with their team from kickoff until the final whistle if they aren't on the sideline. In Saban's absence, offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian ran the show.

Although Saban was not present, it still counts as a win on his record. 

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