Punt Bama Punt

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Punt Bama Punt is the nickname given to the 1972 college football game between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide in a rivalry commonly known as the Iron Bowl.

The game was played on December 2, 1972 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. The #2-ranked and undefeated (10-0) Alabama team led by head coach Bear Bryant came into the game as a 16-point favorite over the Shug Jordan-coached Tigers, who entered the game with a record of 8-1. For the first three and a half quarters the Tide seemed to have the game well in hand.

Alabama led 16-0 with ten minutes left in the game. With less than 10 minutes remaining, an Auburn drive stalled and managed only a field goal, which made the score 16-3. Reportedly, Jordan's decision resulted in boos from both sides of the crowd: Auburn fans for the appearance of giving up, and Alabama fans because it ruined the point spread. On the ensuing possession Alabama was forced to punt. Auburn's Bill Newton blocked the punt and his teammate David Langner ran the ball back 25 yards for an Auburn touchdown, narrowing the score to 16-10. Several minutes later, Alabama was forced to punt again and once again Newton blocked the punt and Langner again returned it for a touchdown. Gardner Jett kicked the extra point and Auburn won the game 17-16.

With a few minutes to play in the game, Auburn's David Langner intercepted an Alabama pass to stop a come back. As he went over to the sideline, Coach Shug Jordan was upset with him. Langner said, "But, coach, I intercepted the pass," to which Coach Jordan said, "Yeah, but our plan was to make them punt."