FanPost

Throwing out the Records


Often, you hear media, announcers, color commentators, etc. say you can "throw out the record books" for a rivalry game.  At least as far as Alabama-Auburn goes, that's a myth (and probably is for most other rivalry games as well)  I got all the historical data from this link:  http://www.jhowell.net/cf/scores/Alabama.htm

2010:  Alabama (10-3) lost to Auburn (14-0) No Upset

2009:  Alabama (14-0) beat Auburn (8-5) No Upset

Allright, you get the gist.  So, what upsets have happened since 1970 in the series?

2005 Alabama (10-2) lost to Auburn (9-3) Very Mild Upset

2002 Alabama (10-3) lost to Auburn (9-4) Very Mild Upset

1995 Alabama (8-3) lost to Auburn (8-4) Very Mild Upset

1990 Alabama (7-5) beat Auburn (8-3-1) Mild Upset

1984 Alabama (5-6) beat Auburn (9-4) Upset

Over 30+ years, there have been 5 upsets.  And its generous to describe 3-4 of those as upsets.  

So as you can see, there's not been a "real" upset in the series since 1984.  Now, records aren't the only thing to judge whether an upset has happened.  Strength of Schedule, Injuries, Trends, etc. If anything, that 1990 upset looks like less of one when you consider Alabama had won 6 of their last 7 entering the Iron Bowl, which they "upset" Auburn in.  Now, when you include the "upset" itself in the final records, it may help my argument slightly.  ie in 1989 a 10-0 Alabama team lost to a 8-2 Auburn team.  Viewed as an upset at the time?  Sure.  But with both teams finishing at 10-2, I maintain in hindsight its not at an upset, or at the very least not a significant one.

Anyway, I'd say its fair to say there is no need to throw out the record books.  Quite the contrary actually.   It bodes well for Saturday when 10-1 Alabama takes on 7-4 Auburn.  Now, for that matter, Auburn could still finish at 9-4 and Bama at worst 10-3.  Which would qualify as one of those rare upsets in the series (a very mild one).  Still, looking historically, when you hear someone say "throw out the record books" this week, roll your eyes.  As some coach once said, you are who you are.  On one sideline stands a 10-1 team and on the other stands a 7-4 one.  

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