The 1985 Auburn Tigers: How the No. 1 Team Fell Short
In the world of college football, some seasons stand out for their drama and disappointment. The 1985 Auburn Tigers epitomize this narrative. Despite starting strong, they ultimately fell short, leading to one of the most memorable Iron Bowl encounters in sports history.
The 1985 Auburn Tigers: A Season of High Hopes and Heartbreak
Auburn began the 1985 season as the No. 1 team in America. With aspirations of national glory, they quickly secured victories against Southwestern Louisiana and Southern Mississippi, amassing a combined score of 78-25. However, doubts emerged about their offensive strategy, particularly with the team’s transition from the wishbone to an I-formation offense.
Struggles in the Transition
- Transition Issues: Head coach Pat Dye faced challenges adapting to the new scheme.
- Quarterback Changes: Auburn utilized three quarterbacks—Pat Washington, Jeff Burger, and Bobby Walden—in an effort to find stability.
- SEC Opener: They encountered an unexpected setback against Tennessee, suffering a 38-20 defeat.
The challenges continued to haunt the Tigers as star running back Bo Jackson struggled with injuries, impacting his performance and the team’s overall trajectory. Despite this, Jackson’s remarkable athleticism led him to an impressive 1,786 rushing yards, making his Heisman Trophy win even more significant.
The Iron Bowl: A Game for the Ages
On November 30, 1985, Auburn faced Alabama in a pivotal Iron Bowl. With the stakes high, the game was tightly contested, showcasing intense competition and dramatic moments. Alabama took a 16-10 lead into halftime, but the fourth quarter would prove thrilling.
With Jackson leading the charge, Auburn regained the lead with a touchdown. The game took a nail-biting turn as Alabama mounted a final drive, culminating in Van Tiffin’s stunning 52-yard field goal as time expired. Alabama narrowly triumphed 25-23, marking a devastating loss for Auburn.
Reflections on the Season
After the Iron Bowl, Auburn finished the season with an 8-4 record and a 3-3 mark in SEC play, landing sixth in the conference standings. The loss in the Cotton Bowl to Texas A&M continued the Tigers’ disappointment. What began as a promising season ended in frustration, with the team unable to replicate their initial success.
- Heisman Win: Despite the turmoil, Jackson’s perseverance earned him the Heisman Trophy.
- Team Impact: The season left players and fans questioning what could have been.
As the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Iron Bowl approaches, the legacy of the Auburn Tigers remains a poignant reminder of how swiftly fortunes can change in college football. While they were once the top team in the nation, they ended as a symbol of unfulfilled potential and heart-wrenching defeat.
