COL FB: Alabama 26, Auburn 21

AUBURN, Ala., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Greg McElroy's late touchdown pass to Roy Upchurch helped third-ranked Alabama escape with a 26-21 win over bitter SEC arch-rival Auburn.

It was Alabama's second straight 11-0 regular season.

The Tigers bolted out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead on Terrell Zachery's 67-yard scoring run and 1-yard touchdown pass from Chris Todd to Eric Smith.

Trent Richardson's touchdown and McElroy's first scoring pass led to a 14-14 halftime tie, and Alabama won the second-half scoring battle 12-7.

Leigh Tiffin kicked two field goals and Colin Peek caught a touchdown pass among 53 receiving yards for the unbeaten Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0), who face top-ranked Florida at the SEC title game Dec. 5.

Auburn's Chris Todd passed for 181 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Darvin Adams added a 72-yard, third-quarter touchdown catch for the Tigers (7-5, 3-5), who had won seven of the nine Iron Bowl games played at Auburn.