The rivalry between Auburn and Alabama wasn't completely absent from 1907 to 1948, but the teams played infrequently during that period due primarily to
World War I and the Great Depression. These events significantly impacted college football in general, causing scheduling disruptions and resource constraints for universities. Many schools, including Auburn and Alabama, had difficulty maintaining consistent schedules and robust athletic programs during these times of national hardship. The focus shifted to other priorities.
While there wasn't a formal ban, the lack of frequent games wasn't due to a specific, single cause but rather a combination of factors related to the economic and social climate of the era. The resumption of the annual rivalry in 1948 reflects the return to a more stable time in the post-war period.