There’s a certain kind of magic to college rivalries. They’re loaded with years of history, unparalleled passion, and a healthy serving of drama. Alabama and Auburn have lived that for a good century… on the football field. There have been fired coaches, fan fury, and reportedly, political disputes. But a good portion of that came not in the gridiron this time, but the Coleman Coliseum as the two basketball programs battled for the prime in SEC. While the on-court action was exhilarating, it was the fans who proved to be the talking point for all the wrong reasons.
In recent seasons, Auburn has really hit the gas under coach Bruce Pearl, and this rivalry game took on extra significance. It was the first clash between no.1 and no.2 in SEC history and both the coaches were ready to prove. “I want to beat Alabama more than anybody else on our schedule because that’s our rival,” Pearl had said. For Alabama coach Nate Oats, it was an opportunity to be declared the best, defeating one in the position.
“Auburn’s the best team in the country right now. We’ve got to knock them out on Saturday if we want to claim that,” his words read. After the wildness, though, Auburn remained the last one standing: 94-85. While the victory itself left a pleasant taste in the mouth, the aftermath had a slight bittersweet aftertaste to it.
Things got out of hand during the game. At one juncture, something was thrown onto the court, which drew Oats, onto the court. He denounced the incident as “asinine” and urged fans to act responsibly. In a closely contested game where the Tigers did not seem to let go of the lead, fans costing them points was the last thing the head coach wanted.
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl pumps up the crowd as Auburn Tigers take on Kent State Golden Flashes at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2024. Auburn Tigers lead Kent State Golden Flashes 36-22 at halftime.
It was a historic game — the first matchup between the top two teams in college basketball since Gonzaga and UCLA in 2021-22. In-state rivals with a history that dates back to 1924 at that. Talk about stakes. Some of the excitement in Coleman Coliseum was unfortunately tempered, though, as the Alabama fans started chanting “You su-k” every time an Auburn player stepped to the free-throw line.
Of course, not everyone was on board with this behavior. One user on Reddit wrote, “Is this typical behavior for Bama fans? This kind of sportsmanship and there were kids there too? My father raised me better than that.” And that comment unleashed a floodgate of comparable sentiments, with many questioning whether these chants represented what college sports ought to be all about.
Alabama vs Auburn: Fans Debating Over Chants
Alabama fans’ behavior, of course, prompted an online debate. “Bama fans are trashy. That is the answer,” one declared. Well, they are indeed known for being passionate. ESPN college hoops analyst, Jay Williams, would know it best. The former Duke player was met with boos a whole year after he had criticised Crimson Tide. But that is the extent one would accept the behaviour. Per a Reddit user, the fans crossed the line more than once.
“I know they are Bama fans, but I was still disappointed in the home crowd. The “sucks” thing is no big deal to me. But there were several other examples of absolute classless behavior,” a beer can was reportedly thrown on the court while “F— Auburn” chants were loud in the presence of kids. Nate Oats knew that could cost them a technical and hence snatched the microphone to shut them down.
So while that wasn’t encouraged, fan chants are nothing new to the basketball setting and so a few aren’t taking it to the heart. “Who gives a f-ck. That is normal trash talk in any rivalry,” one Reddit user said.
Just last week, Dan Hurley was met with “F— Dan Hurley,” as the UConn Huskies took on Creighton while John Calipari was no immune to some boos as he returned to Kentucky either. They answered with a win and so did Bruce Pearl. That is what makes rivalry, rivalry.
“This is weak as hell to complain about. I LOVE that they do it, it’s funny, and it’s perfect for a rivalry. You realize Auburn players went to the Alabama logo after the game and mocked them by doing the Crimson Crane right? That’s just rivalries,” another added.
The Auburn Tigers entered the game ranked no.1 even after losing to Florida. There were a few raised eyebrows there and Crimson Tide loyals’ included. But never trailing once in the 94-85 finish on Saturday, they earned themselves some bragging rights. But Nate Oats is issuing a challenge for when they go again on 8th March. So expect some more intensity and fierceness as the Crimson Tide head to Neville Arena this time.
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