AUBURN, Ala. -- A day after almost guiding Auburn to one of the biggest upsets in Iron Bowl history, Tigers football coach Gene Chizik was explaining the difference between pride and satisfaction.

"We don't want any pats on the back for a loss, that's for sure," Chizik said Saturday. "We don't want to feel good about an 'almost,' but we're proud of our kids and the way they played."

Auburn's 26-21 defeat at the hands of No. 2 Alabama was drastic improvement over last season's 36-0 debacle in Tuscaloosa. Chizik believes Friday validated the foundation for future success that he and his staff have established throughout the Tigers' 7-5 regular season.

The Tigers will get the benefit of bowl preparation after missing out a year ago, but Chizik said his immediate focus is recruiting.

Auburn led Alabama 21-20 with under 10 minutes remaining and had a second-and-9 at the Crimson Tide 43-yard line, but two plays lost 17 yards and the Tigers had to punt. The Tide took over at their 21 and drove 79 yards in 15 plays to win the game.

"I just think overall there were some field-position issues I wish we had capitalized on maybe a little more than we did," Chizik said. "We had some chances offensively in the second half, starting some drives with some good field position. Even their drives for much of the game started at the 40 or beyond, which defensively put us in a bind.

"Field position and special teams at the end of the day cost us some points."