You undoubtedly want to learn a little about the history of Auburn Athletics, whether or not you are a fan of the Auburn Tigers. You’ve probably heard tales of the Tigers defeating rival teams like the Clemson Tigers and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. However, have you ever thought about how the program has evolved through time?
There is a history of SEC and national championship victories for Auburn athletics. The Tigers have claimed seven of those championships in two different decade-long runs since the SEC was founded. There is a lot more to learn about it, which is what the following article will tell you.
Winning the first title
There was a time when Auburn’s football team was excluded from the NCAA Tournament. The group wore green jerseys one season. Throughout the regular season, they were a top-15 team. Following Iron Mike Donahue’s departure in 1922, Auburn began to treat its football program more seriously. A young African American boy wearing a white shirt served as his mascot. In Atlanta, Georgia’s Piedmont Park hosted those initial matches. Not high enough were the lights.
The Tigers have won eight SEC championships and have a history of taking home at least a part of the SEC West. The 2013 group closed with a 12-2 record and won the SEC Championship Game against the fifth-ranked Missouri Tigers.
Auburn’s first championship was achieved in 1957. The Tigers went 10-0 and only gave up 28 points to the opposition that season. Additionally, they and the Ohio State Buckeyes split the national championship. However, due to NCAA sanctions, this team was ineligible to participate in playoff play.
The legendary players of Auburn
Throughout its history, Auburn has produced several outstanding athletes. Bo Jackson, selected first in the 1986 NFL Draft, ran for 4,300 yards in four seasons. In 1985, he also took home the Heisman Trophy. Shug also excelled as a defensive tackle at Auburn. The Atlanta Falcons selected him after he started three seasons.
John Heisman, who led Auburn from 1895 to 1899, is another legend. In 18 games, Heisman’s teams had a 12-4-2 record. He wasn’t the national champion, but he was a great coach. Another legend in Auburn athletics is Pat Dye. In seven seasons, Dye has led the Tigers to four SEC championships. He coached in six bowl games and has a career record of 22-15-2.
Auburn and its rival
The matchup with Georgia in 1892 is one of Auburn football’s most well-known tales. The game went into four overtime because it was so long. In actuality, it was the longest game in the annals of the SEC tournament. Even though Auburn and Alabama have faced off numerous times, their rivalry continues beyond the Iron Bowl. The two schools have held 79 meetings altogether during their existence.
To sum up
Despite attending a Class A institution, Auburn Athletics has seen some significant ups and downs. There have also been various internal civil wars at the academy. At one point, the athletics division was a money trap. But today, it’s a profitable business with excellent broadcasters and skilled workers.
