The scene as Alabama celebrated beating Auburn before

The chaos that enthralled the closing minutes of the 2023 Iron Bowl spilled over from the Alabama sideline, into the end zone where Chris Davis made history a decade prior and continued through the visitor’s tunnel and into the celebration.

Tide staffers hurriedly ripped open plastic cases of Propel, Gatorade and other sports drinks and placed Chick-fil-A baggies on tables. The final moments of UA’s 27-24 win — from Jalen Milroe’s 32-yard, fourth-down touchdown throw to Isaiah Bond to a near game-ending pick-six — didn’t allow much time for the usual, tightly-scheduled routine.

Hollering could be heard from the players, still wearing their pads, behind security guarding the doors to the locker room. Athletic director Greg Bryne hung near the party, joking with UA sportscaster Chris Stewart. Friends and family quickly gathered behind a gate, waiting to wrap their sons up in a hug. Other staffers worked to wheel the team’s sideline equipment to the team buses. But the meal service and jubilation got in their way.

“Do I really need to say anything?” Nick Saban ironically asked after Miss Terry started his recap press conference with a round of applause.