Auburn was pushed to the limit in its season opener, but the Tigers found a way to escape with a thrilling 17-16 victory over Baylor.
The two teams battled in a back-and-forth contest at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with Auburn making the biggest plays when the game mattered most.
Auburn Takes Control Early
Auburn’s offense came out aggressive, looking to establish the running game and put pressure on the Baylor defense.
The Tigers created several explosive plays and eventually found the end zone when Jarquez Cobb broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Auburn also got a 43-yard field goal from Alex McPherson to take an early lead.
But Baylor refused to go away.
Baylor Keeps Fighting
Baylor’s offense continued to battle behind quarterback D.J. Lagway, who connected with Lorenzo Brown for a 14-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
The Bears’ defense also kept Auburn from pulling away. After a scoreless third quarter, Baylor entered the final period with a chance to complete the comeback.
Auburn Makes the Biggest Play
The Tigers finally appeared to put the game away late in the fourth quarter.
With just 3:21 remaining, Auburn drove 75 yards on 10 plays before B. Brown punched in an 11-yard touchdown run. The extra point gave Auburn a 17-10 lead and seemingly put the Tigers in control.
But Baylor wasn’t finished.
Baylor’s Last-Second Push
The Bears responded with one final furious drive.
Baylor moved down the field and, with only nine seconds remaining, found the end zone to cut Auburn’s lead to 17-16. Suddenly, what had looked like a comfortable Auburn finish became a one point game with the outcome hanging in the balance.
Auburn’s defense ultimately held on, preserving the one point victory and sending the Tigers out of Atlanta with a thrilling season-opening win.
A Huge Start for Auburn
It wasn’t perfect football from Auburn, but it was winning football.
The Tigers survived a late Baylor rally and showed the composure necessary to close out a game that went down to the final seconds.
Auburn didn’t dominate Baylor. It didn’t need to. The Tigers made just enough plays, survived a last-second scare and walked away with a 17-16 thriller.
