Nick Saban believes Iron Bowl momentum flipped on holding call against Alabama

Historically under Nick Saban, Iron Bowl games on the road can be a drag. So when Alabama got off to an impressive start against Auburn, it felt like there was an opportunity to take a strangle on the game early in the first quarter. For a brief moment, the Crimson Tide led 13-0 before a holding call brought the play back.

Saban went on to say the penalty was a momentum changer, taking points off the board for Alabama. A bad punt from James Burnip gave Auburn decent field position and led a touchdown drive. Now, it’s a tied game on the Plains through one.

“The penalty on the touchdown changed the momentum of the game,” Saban said after the first quarter with CBS’ Jenny Dell . “Didn’t get a good punt. So, we got to keep playing for the next play and keep playing for 60 minutes.”