AUBURN, Ala. — Pushed to the limit and outplayed most of the game, No. 2 Alabama found its championship form in the nick of time.
The Crimson Tide stayed perfect with an imperfect 26-21 victory Friday over Auburn, taking the lead with a tenacious drive that was capped by Greg McElroy’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Roy Upchurch with 1:24 left.
The Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0) didn’t get much help from Heisman Trophy candidate Mark Ingram, but still completed a second consecutive undefeated regular season in the Iron Bowl.
Alabama did it the hard way, falling behind in the opening minutes, but ultimately did its part to set up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown with top-ranked Florida in the SEC title game.
Forget the national and conference championships, the state title almost slipped away.
“The strong do survive but the strong do get their (butts) kicked,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “That was my message to the team.”
Auburn (7-5, 3-5) pushed the ball to the Alabama 37 on the final drive, wasting lots of time and gaining not nearly enough yards. Chris Todd’s final pass to the end zone was batted down by Rolando McClain.
Alabama needs one more win to get to the Jan. 7 BCS title game.
W. Virginia 19, No. 8 Pittsburgh 16
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Noel Devine rushed for 134 yards and Tyler Bitancurt kicked four field goals, including a 43-yarder as time expired.
West Virginia (8-3, 4-2 Big East) halted Pitt’s five-game win streak and got a small measure of revenge for the last Backyard Brawl played in Morgantown. In 2007, the Mountaineers were a win away from playing for a national title when a sub-.500 Pitt team upset Pat White and Co. in Rich Rodriguez’s last game as West Virginia coach.
No. 6 Boise State 44, Nevada 33
BOISE, Idaho — Kellen Moore tied his career high with five touchdown passes, three to fullback Dan Paul, and the Broncos withstood the Wolf Pack’s rally from 24 points down.
Boise State (12-0) led 34-26 entering the fourth quarter before Moore’s fifth scoring pass, to brother Kirby, clinched its 24th consecutive regular- season victory.
No. 5 Cincinnati 49, Illinois 36
CINCINNATI — Tony Pike returned from an injury to his nonthrowing arm and had a record day, passing for six touchdowns in a victory that moved the Bearcats to 11-0.
The senior quarterback started for the first time since Oct. 15 and broke the school record for touchdown passes. Two went to Mardy Gilyard, who also ran back a kickoff for a score.
The Associated Press
