Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton hauled in three touchdowns, including the game-winner, in No. 10 Alabama’s 27-20 win over Auburn in the 90th Iron Bowl.
Horton led the team in receptions and receiving yards on a night where quarterback Ty Simpson and fellow wide receivers Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams were not on the same page. Simpson did not target Williams in the win, and just three of his 10 intended passes for Bernard were reeled in.
Horton had not found the end zone in four games, last catching a score in the team’s 37-20 drubbing of Tennessee.
“I told Isaiah a long time ago, when we got into these SEC games, that this is where the ball will find him in big moments,” head coach Kalen DeBoer said after the game.
Alabama struggled to find a rhythm on offense in the previous two Iron Bowls played at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and that was no different Saturday. The team was outgained by Auburn 411 to 280, and quarterback Ty Simpson passed for just 122 yards, his lowest total of the season.
Despite the struggles, the offense was able to execute well in the red zone, especially in the first half, largely in part due to Horton.
“Big-time players make big-time plays,” Horton said. “I had to do that for my team.”
Horton and Simpson, both Tennessee natives, have a long-standing connection. Simpson was Horton’s 7-on-7 quarterback in high school.
“Me and Ty, it’s been there since we were kids, and today you saw it,” Horton said of his connection with Simpson. “I’m proud of him.”
No. 10 Alabama returns to the gridiron Saturday, facing off in Atlanta with No. 4 Georgia in the SEC championship game. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. CT and can be streamed on ABC.
