Hometown hero

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2013 file photo, Auburn cornerback Chris Davis (11) returns a field goal attempt 109-yards to score the winning touchdown over Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Auburn, Ala.Pursuing is punter Cody Mandell (29). Davis's 109-yard return of a missed field goal to beat Alabama was one of the Iron Bowl's and the season's most memorable plays. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, file)

The follow-up to the Mother of All Iron Bowls will kick off in primetime for the first time in seven years.

In what could prove to be a crucial game in the SEC West, Alabama and Auburn will kick off at 6:45 p.m. CT on Nov. 29 inside Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. ESPN will broadcast the game.

The kickoff marks the first nighttime game for the Iron Bowl since 2007. The game has featured a mid-afternoon kickoff since 2008.

Contractually, CBS was unable to select the Iron Bowl because of Alabama's five appearances on the network in games against Florida, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, LSU and its upcoming game against No. 1 Mississippi State.

CBS selected the Egg Bowl between Mississippi State and Ole Miss for its 2:30 p.m. time slot

The Iron Bowl figures to be one of the more interesting match-ups in recent memory. Auburn returned a missed field goal 109 yards to knock off Alabama as time expired last season at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The victory sent the Tigers to the SEC Championship.

Alabama leads the series 42-35-1 and Auburn is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings.

Auburn is 7-2 in Tuscaloosa.