The 2013 college football seasons will go down as one of the more memorable seasons in the history of the now defunct BCS era.

It was a season where Alabama was looking to make history, but the Tide came up just a little short of the three-peat it had wanted.

Auburn had little expectations after a three-win season in 2012. Expectations soon went out the window after Auburn’s win over Texas A&M.

The Tigers built momentum throughout the season and rode it all the way to the BCS National Championship Game.

However, the momentum ran out of steam in the fourth quarter, as Florida State would not be denied an undefeated national championship.

Even though the ending of the season left a bad taste for both teams, it was a remarkable run by both teams.

Alabama continued to look impressive each week until the final second of the Iron Bowl.

The final play of the Iron Bowl overshadowed one of the most exciting games that the two programs have ever played, standing one improbable missed field goal return from the first overtime game in the series.

If the game had been in Tuscaloosa instead of Auburn, I think it’s likely the Tide would have made it to the championship game.

Would they have beaten Florida State? I can’t say that for sure, but I’m sure the game would have been just as entertaining as Monday night’s game was.

Auburn fans enjoyed a magical season, finishing 12-2 and No. 2 overall in the final Associated Press poll. However, the clock struck midnight 13 seconds too early for the Tigers to complete their Cinderella story.

The future for both programs is bright. Alabama appears headed for another recruiting national championship. Auburn will be right there in the top 10 in recruiting.

Many pieces of the teams return for both, but both will likely lose key players.

I’m hoping that we will see yet another Iron Bowl for the ages next year.

Many things will have to go right for both teams, but with a little luck, both teams will be competing for berths in the College Football Playoff.

Brent Maze is the managing editor of the Hartselle Enquirer.