Saturday’s Iron Bowl was one for the ages if you root for Alabama.

For Auburn fans, it was much more forgettable.

I myself thought Auburn had a chance to win or at least compete, but what I found out Saturday is who I was the only one who thought that way. Not even the Auburn coaching staff and players felt that they could even compete with Alabama.

Alabama appeared like it was going to break the record for the most-lopsided Iron Bowl. They were up 49-0 after scoring touchdowns on its first seven possessions Saturday and was 11-for-11 on third down conversions.

Western Kentucky actually put up a better fight than Auburn did. Although it might not be statistically the biggest win/worst loss in Iron Bowl history, it might have been the most one-sided game the two have ever played.

And then I thought back to watching Hartselle play on Friday night. Muscle Shoals proved they were the better football team in Friday’s rematch.

Even though the Trojans were not going to be denied that night, Hartselle still didn’t go down without a fight.

In fact, when Blake Slayton broke free for a 61-yard touchdown right before the half, I’m not sure there was anyone in Hartselle’s locker room that thought they were going to lose. Sure, they were down 28-7, but they know from experience that a three-touchdown lead isn’t safe.

Unfortunately, Muscle Shoals made the plays to put the game away in the second half.

But it just shows you the mindset difference in Hartselle and Auburn. It didn’t matter that the breaks didn’t always go Hartselle’s way, they always keep fighting every game, every play.

However, whenever a bad play happened, Auburn packed it in and gave up.

That’s how you get shutout in Amen Corner and finish winless for the season.

Sure the Auburn coaching staff knew they wouldn’t be back next season, but it didn’t appear like they even tried to stop it from happening.

No one can win every game, but if you never put forth the effort, you’ll never win.

That’s a lesson that Auburn can learn from Hartselle.

Brent Maze is the managing editor of the Hartselle Enquirer.