The 1972 Auburn Tigers football team under the leadership of coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan completed the regular season with a record of 9–1, earning them an invitation to the Gator Bowl against Colorado, which they won by a score of 24–3. They completed the season with a record of 10–1 and ranked #5 in the AP poll and #7 in the UPI. Five players were named all-SEC first team for 1972: defensive back Dave Beck, tail back Terry Henley, offensive tackle Mac Lorendo, defensive end Danny Sanspree, and defensive tackle Benny Sivley.