TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama put together the perfect ending to a perfect regular season. The Crimson Tide enacted revenge over Auburn, blowing out its bitter rival 52-21 in the Iron Bowl on Saturday. The victory gives Alabama (12-0, 8-0) its 12th victory for the ninth time in 11 seasons. It also marks the Crimson Tide’s 12th straight 20-point victory, the longest such streak to start a season in NCAA history. Here are five things we learned from the game.
Mayden will miss first half of SEC Championship Game
Alabama’s pursuit of an SEC title just got a bit harder. Defensive back Jared Mayden was ejected for targeting during the third quarter of Saturday’s game, meaning that he will be forced to miss the first half of next week’s SEC Championship Game against Georgia.
Mayden’s penalty came as he made helmet-to-helmet contact with Auburn receiver Ryan Davis, who had to be tended to on the field before walking off on his own power. Davis did not return to the game following the hit.
"A penalty is a penalty," Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. "He led with his head, and I cannot comment on how much we tell guys they've got to see what they hit, so you've got to keep your face up. You can't lead with your helmet because you don't know what you're going to it, and if you hit the other guy in the head, that's a problem.
“And it's dangerous. It's a good player for (Auburn), and you never like to see anybody get hurt. And the rules are really in place for player safety. Obviously, that was not a good judgment.”
Following the game, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn told reporters that Davis was OK and was expected to make a full recovery. Mayden then sent Davis an apology over Twitter, explaining that he did not intend to cause an injury.
Mayden plays safety in Alabama’s dime package. He was replaced by Keaton Anderson, who tallied two tackles against Auburn.
No. 1 Alabama will face No. 5 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta on Dec. 1 inside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Buggs 'will be OK’
While one Alabama defender will miss time next week, the Crimson Tide received positive news on another. Starting defensive end Isaiah Bugs made multiple trips in and out of Alabama’s medical tent after picking up a knock in the first quarter. However, Saban said he doesn’t expect the injury to be serious.
“I think Buggs will be OK,” Saban said following the game. “He’s got a hyper-extended knee, but I think he’ll be OK.”
Buggs returned to the field briefly following the injury but spent the majority of the game on the sideline. He was replaced by LaBryan Ray, who finished with a team-high nine tackles and a sack.
Alabama also received a mild injury scare when Jaylen Waddle was hit hard during a punt return. However, the freshman receiver was able to return to the game. Following the game, Saban said Waddle’s injury “wasn’t anything serious.”
Saturday also saw the return of offensive linemen Deonte Brown and Alex Leatherwood. Brown missed the game against Mississippi State after sustaining a turf-toe injury against Tennessee. Leatherwood left during the third quarter of the game against Mississippi State after twisting his ankle.
Tagovailoa continues record-breaking season.
Tua Tagovailoa continued to rewrite Alabama’s record books as he reached two more milestones against Auburn. Tagovailoa broke Alabama’s single-game record with six total touchdowns against the Tigers. Those six scores gave him a combined 41 touchdowns on the season, breaking the previous mark of 36 set by Jalen Hurts in 2016.
Tagovailoa completed 25 of 32 passes for 324 yard and five touchdowns while adding another 26 yards and a touchdown on the ground. His five passing touchdowns equalled Alabama’s previous single-game record set by Gary Hollingsworth at Ole Miss on Oct. 7, 1989.
With 324 yards through the air, Tagovailoa has now thrown for 3,189 yards this season, which ranks second on the UA single-season passing yards list. Blake Sims is Alabama’s single-season record holder with 3,487 yards in 2014.
“Tua has had an outstanding year for us,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “He’s done a great job. He doesn’t ever seem to get flustered in the game if things don’t go well or we miss a couple passes, whatever, get a little pressure in the pocket. He always seems to respond exactly like you’d want a quarterback to respond.”
Jeudy continues to come up big
Tagovailoa wasn’t the only Alabama player moving up the record books. Receiver Jerry Jeudy continued his stellar sophomore season with a team-high five receptions for 77 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown from Tagovailoa on Alabama’s opening drive of the second half.
The touchdown was Jeudy’s 11th of the season, tying him with Amari Cooper (2012) for second on Alabama’s single-season touchdown reception list. Cooper also holds the school record with 16 touchdowns in 2014.
Through 12 games, Jeudy has 1,079 receiving yards, the third highest single-season tally in school history. Julio Jones is second with 1,133 yards in 2010. Amari Cooper is the school record-holder with 1,727 yards in 2014.
Bulovas nears extra-point record
This hasn’t necessarily been a season for Joseph Bulovas to remember, but it could still end with him in the record books for a positive reason. The redshirt freshman kicker connected on all seven of his extra-point attempts Saturday giving him 63 made extra points on the year.
Bulovas is now third on Alabama’s single-season extra point list behind Adam Griffith, who hit 66 in 2016 and Jeremy Shelley, who hit 69 in 2012. Bulovas would be a lot closer to the record had he not missed an SEC-worst five extra points this season. However, that’s a discussion for another day.
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