How the 2013 Auburn Tigers achieved one of college football's greatest single-season turnarounds
In short: After a winless conference record in 2012, the 2013 Auburn Tigers transformed into a national powerhouse under first-year head coach Gus Malzahn. Their season became legendary for back-to-back miracle plays, culminating in a historic run to the BCS National Championship game that redefined expectations for the program.
The 2013 season stands as a remarkable pivot point for Auburn University. Following a disastrous 2012 campaign that saw the team finish winless in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, Athletic Director Jay Jacobs initiated a leadership overhaul. He appointed a search committee featuring former Heisman winners Bo Jackson and Pat Sullivan, who unanimously selected Gus Malzahn, the former offensive coordinator, to lead the program. Malzahn’s arrival sparked an immediate resurgence, as the team finished with a 12–2 record and secured the SEC title.
The team's success was defined by a high-octane rushing attack and a series of improbable late-game victories. In a game against Georgia, quarterback Nick Marshall connected with Ricardo Louis on a tipped 'Hail Mary' pass for a 73-yard touchdown with only 25 seconds remaining. This was followed by the infamous 'Kick Six' in the Iron Bowl against Alabama. With the game tied at 28 and one second left, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal. When the kick fell short, Auburn’s Chris Davis caught the ball in the end zone and returned it 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown.
These moments propelled Auburn to the BCS National Championship game against Florida State. Despite leading for much of the contest, Auburn ultimately fell 34–31 in the final minutes. While the loss ended the SEC’s seven-year streak of BCS titles, the season remains a landmark in college football history. Malzahn was recognized for this rapid transformation by being named the AP Coach of the Year on December 23, 2013, cementing the season as a testament to the volatility and excitement of the sport.
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