TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Jalen Hurts rebounded from two early interceptions to pass for 286 yards and No. 1 Alabama's defense did the rest in a 30-12 victory Saturday over No. 13 Auburn.
The Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0 SEC, No. 1 AP) led just 13-9 at the half, dominating the stat sheet but only taking over the scoreboard in the second half. The defense pushed its string of quarters without allowing a touchdown to 14-plus.
Auburn (8-4, 5-3, No. 16 AP) failed to muster much offense for the second straight SEC game. This time the Tigers were playing without injured quarterback Sean White and unable to reach the end zone despite starting several drives in Alabama territory.
"We had some really, really challenging field position situations ... and our players responded really well to it," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.
Hurts displayed the same poise in overcoming two first-half interceptions that has helped him lead the Tide into the SEC title game. He completed 27 of 36 passes and threw two touchdowns. Alabama has won three straight Iron Bowls for the first time since 1990-92.
"At halftime, I guess everybody thought I was going to throw a fit, but I told them, 'Look guys, all we've got to do is go out there and play with some poise and confidence,' " Saban said.
Hurts also ran for 37 yards and a touchdown, leading two straight touchdown drives in the third quarter to all but put the game away.
He ran for a 4-yard score on a drive sparked by four Bo Scarbrough runs. On a fourth-and-4 play, he hit ArDarius Stewart, who spun away from a defender and made another move downfield en route to a 38-yard touchdown and a 27-9 lead.
