TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Kalen DeBoer’s first Iron Bowl was far from the back-and-forth of some shootouts of the past and lacked the theatrics of Nick Saban’s final act in the legendary rivalry last season. Even so, the first-year Alabama coach did something Saban could not: taste victory in his inaugural Alabama-Auburn showdown.

Jalen Milroe had some good in his second Iron Bowl. Some bad. Some in between. The rollercoaster performance of sorts ultimately resulted in a good outcome for Alabama football, though. The Crimson Tide secured a 28-14 victory over Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama football needed to beat Auburn to win the Iron Bowl. But first-year coach Kalen DeBoer needed it more. Both got what they needed.