In 2013, Auburn and Alabama met for what was supposed to be a routine rivalry game. One of the greatest sporting events of all time wasn't expected that day, to be certain. That's what the world got, though.
The game itself was great, but the ending is perhaps the greatest ending to a non-title sporting event ever. Tied up, Alabama had one last shot at a nearly impossible winning field goal, and it gave way to one of the best plays ever.
SI's Pat Forde said, "What is the single most dramatic way to win a football game? How about the longest touchdown possible (109 yards) with no time left on the clock? And how about if that play stopped a bid for a national title three-peat while sending the winners on their way to the BCS championship game? And how about if it came in the most bitter of rivalries?"
Somehow, though, it was not heralded as the best game of all time. That honor went to the 2006 Rose Bowl, BCS national championship game between USC and Texas, an admittedly great game.
Forde continued, "The Auburn defensive back’s 109-yard return of a 56-yard Alabama field goal try that came up short as time expired was a stunning plot twist that spontaneously unleashed a field-storming eruption in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers went on to win the SEC at a time when it looked like the Crimson Tide might never lose again."
The "Kick Six" wasn't the only unbelievable play in the game, though. Alabama scored a 99-yard touchdown pass. Auburn scored from 39 yards out with just 32 seconds left. Of course, the legendary return and call of "Auburn's going to win the football game!" lasted much longer in the memory.