Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via USA TODAY Sports
Without Nick Saban on the sideline, stopping Auburn was no problem for the Alabama football defense.
The Alabama football defense has been quietly improving, beginning with the Georgia game. Given the history of Auburn offenses having success in recent iron Bowls, no Nick Saban on the Bryant-Denny sideline was considered a big loss. Many wondered if the often maligned, Pete Golding would be up to the task?
The Alabama football defensive coordinator was pitted against two coaches, at least formerly judged as offensive wizards. In the 85th Iron Bowl, Pete Golding and his defense did just fine against Gus Malzahn and Chad Morris.