In the last several years, the action at the Iron Bowl has either been unrelenting or unexpected.
The former has taken place a few times in the Nick Saban era for Alabama. The Crimson Tide won the 2008, 2011 and 2012 matchups by a combined score of 127-14. Alabama was one of the top two teams in the country on all three occasions—just like it is this weekend.
The latter, however, has taken place four times since the 2008 drubbing that ended Auburn's long winning streak in the series under Tommy Tuberville.
Two of those games, the 2010 and 2013 matchups, ended with two of the most iconic wins in Auburn history—Cam Newton's 24-point comeback and Chris Davis' 100-plus-yard field-goal return.