As Alabama faced in-state rival Auburn on November 26, McElroy and the offense were in a 14–0 hole after the first quarter. With 5:31 left before halftime and trailing 14–7, he connected with tight end Colin Peek on a 33-yard pass to equalize before halftime. Entering the final 15 minutes, the Tide trailed Auburn, 21–20. He threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to running back Roy Upchurch with 1:24 remaining, with Alabama holding on for a 26–21 victory.
