AUBURN, Ala. —

Alabama and Auburn rolled into the Iron Bowl knowing exactly what was on the line, and the game showed how intense both teams felt.

Alabama lost its grip on an early 17-0 lead, but ended up with the win 27-20 to head to the SEC Championship Game.

The Tide needed this win to punch their ticket to the SEC Championship Game and keep their playoff footing steady, while Auburn was fighting just to stay alive for bowl eligibility.

Alabama was strong on fourth downs, and DeBoer’s aggressive approach stands in sharp contrast to D.J. Durkin’s choices to settle for a field goals early on.

>>WATCH: The Tiger Walk ahead of the game

The Breakdown

After some early feeling-out with traded punts, Alabama seized momentum by converting a gutsy fourth-and-1 thanks to a Ty Simpson keepe

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