The Alabama-Auburn rivalry is one of college footballs high profile interstate matchups. The two programs have exchanged heat on the football field since they first met on February 22, 1893.
The two largest public universities in the state of Alabama meet in The Iron Bowl, traditionally played on Thanksgiving weekend each season. The name Bowl comes from Birmingham’s historic role in the steel industry. Alabama leads the series 45351.
Crimson Tide and Tigers fans have a disdain for each other that runs deep, so the latest reports by Mobile (Alabama) Police that an argument between an Alabama and Auburn fan Monday about which team is better escalated to gunfire isnt surprising.
USA TODAY Sports on Twitter
Alabama or Auburn? Man shot while arguing which team is better https://t.co/Fc2OUcv1O7
Theres a long history of confrontation, shenanigans and overall malice between Alabama and Auburn Universitys alumni and student body. According to police, the Alabama fan shot the Auburn fan outside of an Extended Suites hotel around 7pm on Monday.
“The male subject got mad, pulled out a firearm and struck the victim in the thigh and fled,” the police report said.
Mobile Police arrested 28-year-old Rodney Alexander on Thursday night on a charge of first-degree assault. As usual, when these two teams meet late in the season, stakes are high and fans get a bit crazy as evidenced by the senseless shooting.
The fact that this incident was made public will just add more fuel to a rivalry that needs no hyping. No. 1 Alabama and No. 6 Auburn are set to play on Nov. 25 with the winner moving on to play in the SEC championship game the following weekend and with a chance to win a spot in the College Football Playoff.