I couldn’t resist digging this up….
The "Tiger Bowl," as it is known to LSU and Auburn fans, slips under the radar of many fans outside the Southland. But down here, it is become legend. Here are a few recaps of the best from the last 30 years.
"The Night the Earth Moved" (1988)
It is one of the SEC’s all-time greatest. Forever known as the, "Earthquake Game," #4 Auburn faced off against an unranked LSU team. The Auburn defense (one of the five best CFB defenses I've ever seen) controlled the old-school slugfest for 58 minutes, but only clung to a slim 6-0 lead. Then, at endgame, on 4th-down; LSU QB Tommy Hodson found RB Eddie Fuller for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The resultant roar from the rabid crowd at Tiger Stadium registered on a seismograph. Dem Tigahs had somehow come up with a monumental 7-6 upset. That 1988 Auburn team, which finished 10-2 (but would have been playing for a national title were it not for the Earthquake), was one of Auburn’s all-time best. The defense pitched three straight shutouts during that season, and gave up just 7.7 points per game. The LSU faithful still regard Hodson-to-Fuller as their most satisfying victory in the series. And those two guys probably haven’t bought a single drink since. But, on a personal note, this is still the most painful Auburn loss in my memory, versus any team. I still hate them for that game. No, really, I hate LSU for it. Hate.
"Pass LSU Pass" (1994)
Sometimes called, "The Interception Game," this inexplicable comeback spawned a multi-year series of epics between the two schools, forever solidifying the rivalry and its unexpected outcomes. After three quarters of play, LSU led at Auburn, 23-9, and honestly, the game was much more lopsided than the score indicated. In spite of all-world running back, Stephen Davis, the Tigah defense held AU to a measly 165 yards of total offense for the game. The entire game, friends and enemies. But in the 4th quarter, the Auburn defense intercepted five Jamie Howard passes (yes, FIVE in the FOURTH quarter): returning three for touchdowns to defeat LSU 30-26 at Jordan-Hare Stadium, continuing an unlikely winning streak. Meanwhile, Howard was receiving death threats and LSU's coach, Curley Hallman, would be fired a few weeks later. The teams combined for 11 total turnovers in this one. ELEVEN! Auburn hawked 6 interceptions on the day, tallying 155 yards in returns (remember, the offense only mustered 165 themselves). Wow. Since that crazy afternoon, the game became the most aired, "College Flashback Classic" in history and to this day, whenever Auburn falls behind, no matter the size of the defecit, my Father will mumble, "Pass LSU, pass..."
"Bringing Back the Magic" (1995)
Eerily similar to the circumstances preceding 1988, #5 Auburn traveled to Louisiana to play an unranked LSU team in Tiger Stadium. In a surprise move, LSU came out in their legendary white jerseys at home, for the first time in 15 years, sending the crowd into a game-long frenzy. But Auburn fans refer to this as the, "Whistle Game" because quarterback Patrick Nix was sacked in the endzone for an LSU safety when he heard a fan's whistle ring out from the stands and stopped play. The game ended with Troy Twillie intercepting a Nix pass in the endzone, securing a shocking, 12-6 upset. The magic of LSU playing at home, if ever really in doubt, was fully restored to Death Valley.
“The Night the Barn Burned” (1996)
You just can’t make this stuff up, guys and gals. Favored Auburn did battle with visiting LSU on a beautiful night in the loveliest village. But in short order, a frightening omen would present itself. The old Sports Arena (affectionately known as ‘The Barn’), not far from Jordan-Hare stadium, erupted into a raging inferno. Towering flames licked the sky but as the in-game PA assured the crowd that the fire was located outside the arena--well, they kept on playing. This is the SEC, dude. Early suggestions of arson turned out to be false (it was a tailgating grill) but with a raging torrent of smoke boiling in the background, No. 21 LSU upset No. 13 Auburn, 19-15. In a game filled with errors, Auburn missed three field goals and an extra point. The hometown Tigers managed to cut the lead to 17-15 with 0:38 left in the game but a 2-point pass attempt was intercepted by Raion Hill and returned for two points, firmly establishing his place among the hall of LSU heroes. Hill also had a pick six earlier in the fourth quarter. This “Barn Burner” lives on in ESPN lore.
"The Drive" (1997)
#12 Auburn and #10 LSU combined for one of the most thrilling four quarters of football in series history as AU QB Dameyune Craig & LSU RB Cecil "The Diesel" Collins both had their way against the opposing defenses on a wild night in Baton Rouge. In spite of Collins' jaw-dropping 27 carries for 232 yards and 2 TDs, spearheading the hometown Tigahs, it was the visiting Tigers who struck last. Auburn's Rusty Williams plunged into the end zone to cap an epic 10-play, 80-yard drive, consuming the final few minutes of the game clock for a wild 31-28 victory. Personally, I will always remember being ejected from my favorite coastal watering hole mid-3rd quarter of this game. The place was full of LSU fans that threatened to stop buying drinks if the owner didn't shut me up.
"The Cigar Game" (1999)
On Tommy Tuberville’s 45th birthday, Auburn sauntered into Baton Rouge and crushed LSU, 41-7. Stellar play from quarterback Ben Leard and wide receiver Ronnie Daniels were both trumped by a no-look, over-the-shoulder fake field goal, which was run-in for a touchdown by kicker, Damon Duval (more on him later). Wondering why this game makes the list? Victory cigars were passed out after the game and Tuberville, assistant coaches, and players were reported to be smoking them. On the field of Tiger Stadium. As 1988 had fired up the rivalry for Auburn fans, this is the game that has become the touchstone for LSU’s chagrin. A rather infamous pic of several AU players puffing away at midfield surfaced soon after and the slight was never to be forgotten. Auburn hasn’t won a game in Baton Rouge since.
“Revenge” (2001)
Due to the tragic events of 9/11, this game was moved to the very late date of December 1, 2001. That was a somber enough reason to feel tense and angry and anxious. Further, LSU made no secret of the fact that they intended this game to be revenge for the atrocity of the cigars in 1999. And as if the game needed any more extra juice, the late-season showdown would determine the victor of the SEC’s Western Division and secure a trip to Atlanta for a shot at the SEC Title. Things got ugly before the opening kickoff. Auburn players stomped the Tiger Eye logo at midfield and the unsportsmanlike penalty led to an LSU onsides kick to start the game. Not long after that, AU’s Roderick Hood was crushed by LSU’s Michael Clayton and the tenor of the contest was established. But things got worse. Auburn’s special teams specialist (and part time hair model, lol), Damon Duval—remember him?—got into a fistfight with two LSU band members during the halftime procession. Coach Tub would later write a formal apology. But LSU went on to sweet revenge, indeed. They won the game, 27-14, and would go on to shock the world with a creaming of Tennessee in Atlanta, costing the Vols a shot at a second BCS Championship and serving notice to the conference and country that the long-slumbering giant in Louisiana was finally awake. And he was pissed.
"The Catch" (2004)
Just two days after Hurricane Ivan stormed through the state of Alabama, No. 14 Auburn welcomed No. 5 ranked, reigning national champion LSU to the Plains. The visiting Tigahs scored a touchdown on their opening drive but, missed the extra point. The next 50 minutes was nearly a stalemate, but LSU held a tenuous 9-3 lead when Auburn got one last possession. Needing a clutch play, the Tigers tied the game 9-9 on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Jason Campbell to Courtney Taylor with 1:14 left in the game. Auburn kicker John Vaughn missed the extra point but by virtue of a penalty, he was given a second chance. He delivered. In the wake of the 10-9 victory, Auburn would realize their potential and go on to complete a perfect season, the Tiger Bowl by far it's closest call all year. This game also started a thrilling five year streak of epic entries in the rivalry.
"Doink!" (2005)
Auburn place-kicker, John Vaughn, missed five field goals (yes, FIVE) in a game filled with missed opportunities. Seems to be a trend in this series, doesn’t it? Still, Auburn took a 17-14 lead with 4:52 left to go following a 5-yard pass from Brandon Cox to Anthony Mix on 4th down. But LSU tied it back up on a 44-yard field goal from Chris Jackson with 1:44 left to force OT. On his FIFTH and final miss, Vaughn booted a 39-yarder in overtime that rebounded off the upright with a resounding clang. Just a little while later in the extra period, LSU's Jackson kicked the game-winning 30-yard field goal, nullifying Auburn running back Kenny Irons' Herculean effort of 218 yards rushing. The 20-17 win preserved LSU's lofty ranking and even now, LSU fans can cause Auburn fans' blood pressure to rise with a cheerful shout of, "Doink!"
“Blood Bath” (2006)
Let me say this right up front: the 2006 Tiger Bowl was the closest thing I have ever seen to actual warfare on a football field. Inside a raucous Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn’s Brandon Cox converted a quarterback sneak for the games lone touchdown in the 3rd quarter. Auburn safety Eric Brock entered series lore when he tipped away a 4th-down pass deep in the fourth quarter. Auburn was initially called for pass interference on the play but officials ruled that it was a tipped ball and so, the flag was waved off. Later, Brock delivered the tackle that stopped LSU’s Craig Davis at the 5-yard line on the game’s final play. The third-ranked Auburn Tigers beat the sixth-ranked LSU Tigers, 7-3; the lowest point total between the two teams in 70 years. Due to the ruckus made over the PI (non)call ever since that flag was waved, this game remains fairly fresh in the collective football conscience. But folks, the game is most memorable for all the things I can’t tell you. Simply put, it was the most violent, ferocious, physical game I have ever seen. No other game at any level compares. Some people laugh when I say that but I only shake my head and walk away. It’s foolish to argue with the irrational. It was pure and unadulterated mortal combat. Multiple players from both rosters will confirm to you today that it was the most brutal game they ever played. People from all over the country, who watched with stomach-churning glee, had the same impression. I can only encourage you to go dig up a tape of it, and next time you wish you had gotten to play big-time football, go watch the 2006 Tiger Bowl and change your mind. It was one of those games where there really wasn’t a winner—the toll of victory was too high. Much later in the season, when asked how he would be preparing for Georgia, Coach Tub would quip, “Frankly, I’m still trying to get my team recovered from playing LSU.” But Auburn won. Sort of.
"Lesticles" (2007)
It looked like it was going to be a major upset. The game was a grueling contest under the lights in Death Valley; Auburn pushing the favored hometown Bengal Tigers to the limit in every sense in the word. LSU’s Glen Dorsey, one of the SECs greatest D-lineman of all-time was an unstoppable force in this game. His wrecking ball style of play was single-handedly disrupting the Auburn offense. In response, Auburn's Chaz Ramsey delivered a textbook chop block to Dorsey's knee. It remains one of the dirtiest plays in Tiger history and rightfully so. The game continued, constantly on the verge on an outright brawl, until gritty Auburn QB Brandon Cox tossed a 3-yard touchdown to Rodgeriqus Smith with 3:21 left in the 4th. But LSU marched back down the field, trailing 24-23. Passing on the opportunity for a game-winning 38-yard field goal try, Coach "Lesticles" Miles, with a running clock, went to the air. Incredibly, quarterback Matt Flynn launched a perfect pass to Demetrius Byrd for a 22-yard touchdown pass. The official raised his arms with one second left in the game. That would be :01. The two fan bases still argue the exact strategy involved in the play but, perhaps it was comeuppance for the dangerously cheap shot on Dorsey. Whatever the case may be, #5 LSU delivered the ultimate payback to #18 Auburn, winning 30-24 and going on to win the BCS National Championship.
“Instant Classic” (2008)
It might be the most overlooked of all the worthy entries on the list—and it might be the best pure game. The ESPN Game Day Crew was in Auburn and the atmosphere was frenzied. A Ben Tate touchdown and a pick six on LSU QB Jarrett Lee’s first pass (this would be a trend for the guy) set the stadium rocking and sent the Tigers to the locker room with Auburn holding a 14-3 lead. Due to Lee’s poor play, LSU sent Andrew Hatch into the fray, where he was subsequently knocked out. This forced Lee back into action, and the kid seized the moment. A beautiful strike to Chris Michell set the Tigahs on the comeback trail and it was truly game on. A trick play involving a quartet of LSU players, ended with the now famous Byrd tossing a TD pass to give LSU it’s first lead of the game. But Auburn’s QB, Chris Todd lead his Tigers back, hitting Robert Dunn to put Auburn back on top. Yet, it was Lee who laughed last. With only a minute to go, he found Brandon LaFell for a breakaway score, to topple Auburn in Auburn, 26-21. It was LSU’s first victory at Jordan-Hare stadium in a decade.
"War Cam Eagle" (2010)
Auburn quarterback Cam Newton had his Heisman coming-out party against #6 LSU in 2010. In a game more one-sided than the final score might indicate, Newton accounted for 303 total yards, including an iconic 49-yard touchdown run through the vaunted LSU defense. At the end of it, he dragged All-American defensive back Patrick Peterson, the final several yards for the score. Auburn rushed for 440 yards, the 5th highest total in school history, defeating LSU, 24-17. It was the most rushing yardage ever surrendered by any LSU defense. Ever. Think about that. Onterio McCalebb had the game-winning 70-yard touchdown run—a sprinting blur down the sideline—with 5:05 left in the game. Auburn went on to capture the BCS National Title.
“Can I Get a Second?” (2016)
The favored LSU Tigahs took an early 7-0 (it was the game’s only TD) lead before AU’s PK Daniel Carlson began raining down a steady stream of field goals. He knocked down six of them to give Auburn an 18-13 lead deep into the game. However, with only a few moments left in the game, versus a running clock (where have we seen this before?), Les Miles’ crew appeared to have scored the winning touchdown. But review showed the clock had expired and the winning touchdown was taken off the board, allowing the Auburn Tigers to hold on, 18-13. The "Mad Hatter" was discharged the following day.
“The Comeback” (2017)
Almost a tale of two halves; Auburn built up a 20-0 lead by the 2nd quarter. But by the break, LSU was already on the comeback, cutting the score to 23-14. Both teams held serve during the 3rd quarter but right as the final frame started, LSU’s DJ Chark ripped off a beautiful 75 yard punt return for a touchdown. Not long after, dem Tigahs took their first lead of the game, 24-23 and stuffed the AU O it’s final two possessions to polish off the upset.
