Crazy Auburn-Alabama Finish Recalls the Infamous Antonio Cromartie Return vs. Vikings

Nov 30, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Chris Davis (center) celebrates scoring a 100 yard touchdown on a missed field goal attempt with defensive back Jonathon Mincy (6) during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn Tigers won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

So did you catch that insane finish at the Iron Bowl? Auburn and Alabama were tied with one second remaining – after a review of T.J. Yeldon’s seemingly fourth-quarter-ending run out-of-bounds caused a tick to be put back on the clock – and Alabama in range for a Hail Mary pass to possibly win the game and send them to the SEC title game.

But Nick Saban threw everyone a curve by eschewing the Hail Mary and instead sending out his freshman kicker Adam Griffith to attempt a seemingly crazy 57-yard field goal. Auburn lined up Chris Davis at the back of the end zone to receive a possible short kick by Griffith. And wouldn’t you know it? The kick went straight to Davis who ran it out of the end zone, dodged through some feeble tackles by fat linemen, sprinted up the sideline and broke into the clear for the improbable winning touchdown.

All sorts of different thoughts erupted in people’s minds at the sight of Davis catching that short field goal and running it back. Nick Saban was thinking stuff I can’t post on a family blog. Gus Malzahn was just hearing cash register noises. And Viking fans? Yeah, we were all thinking the same name.

Antonio Freaking Cromartie.

It’s 2007 and the Vikings are playing the Chargers. Brad Childress sends Ryan Longwell out for a 58-yard-field goal try at the end of the half. Antonio Cromartie lines up in the end zone. The kick is short. This happens:

Officially, a 109.88 yard touchdown for Cromartie, the longest TD in NFL history. But despite Cromartie’s epic play, that game would actually be remembered more for a completely different record-breaking performance. Adrian Peterson, 296  yards.

That was a pretty wild game, but not in the same category as today’s Auburn-Alabama contest. The 2013 Iron Bowl will go down in history as one of the great football games of all-time. And Chris Davis will be forever remembered for his amazing game-winning play.

And Nick Saban probably ain’t gonna get much sleep for awhile. Seriously Nick. Just take it to overtime bud.

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