Auburn remained undefeated and snapped a 20-game Alabama win streak at Bryant-Denny Stadium with a 28-27 win in the 75th edition of the Iron Bowl.

Head coach Gene Chizik said the Tigers deserved the win because they fought for it.

“We came here to win a game,” Chizik said. “We did not come here to tie, and we did not come here with our hats in our hands.”

Auburn trailed the Crimson Tide until the beginning of the fourth quarter when sophomore tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen caught a 7-yard pass from junior quarterback Cam Newton to take its first lead of the game 28-27.

Auburn struggled on both sides of the ball, allowing senior quarterback Greg McElroy to beat his season-best passing yards in the first half.

Prior to the Iron Bowl, McElroy’s best passing game was against South Carolina when he threw for 315 yards.

He eclipsed that performance with 335 passing yards in the first half.

Alabama junior wide receiver Julio Jones had a season-best 68-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter and had 174 receiving yards in the first half.

At one point in the second quarter, Auburn trailed Alabama 24-0.

“That is a game that will certainly go down in history,” Chizik said. “You know, it’s hard to come back when you’re down 24-0 against anybody. It’s just hard to do.”

The Tigers set the tone early in the second half, with Newton connecting with senior wide receiver Terrell Zachary for a 70-yard touchdown pass.

Auburn came back offensively in the second half, totaling 324 yards of total offense, up from 87 at halftime.

Senior left tackle Lee Ziemba said having a bye week before Alabama was both a blessing and a curse.

“I think that sometimes when you have two weeks, and you get so hyped up, you come out here and can’t get things going,” Ziemba said. “We just needed to settle down and play our game.”

After a defensive stop in the third quarter, Alabama punted to junior wide receiver Quindarius Carr.

Dre Kirkpatrick forced a fumble and Alabama reclaimed possession at the Auburn 27 yard line.

Five plays and 12 yards later, Alabama was forced to kick a field goal to take a 27-21 lead.

Chizik said this win was one of the best he has been a part of as a coach.

“It’s certainly up there,” Chizik said. “Sometimes, I think, it’s not just that you win, sometimes I think a lot is about how you win.”

Auburn improved its record to 12-0 and 8-0 in the SEC, while Alabama’s record is now 9-3 and 5-3 in the SEC.

Auburn will play for the SEC Championship against South Carolina Saturday in Atlanta. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. EST

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