In what was arguably one of the most exciting bowl games of the season, it was Auburn University (8-5) that came out on top with a 38-35 overtime thriller over the Northwestern University Wildcats (8-5) in Raymond James Stadium.
"I know everybody got their money's worth," said Auburn head coach Gene Chizik. "I've been in some wild games, ones that come down to the end numerous times; games where you don't know what is happening. Was he down? Was he not down? This was certainly one of them."
The Tigers pulled off a win in overtime after sophomore defensive back Neiko Thorpe stopped senior wide receiver Zeke Markshausen on a fumble at the Auburn two on fourth-and-goal from the 5-yard line.
"I'm not so sure I've ever gone into a game with seven wins and come out with 10," Chizik said. "I think we had to win that thing about three times."
The Tigers ran on the field after they recovered what they thought was a fumble to end the game, but reviews showed senior quarterback Mike Kafka was down.
Northwestern got another chance after a roughing the kicker penalty was called on the Tigers after junior place kicker Stefan Demos' field goal hit the right upright.
The Tigers quickly jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter when senior defensive back Walter McFadden picked off quarterback Mike Kafka in the end zone and returned it 100 yards for the touchdown. The interception was McFadden's second of the game and the longest in Outback Bowl history.
Northwestern came back and tied the game at 21 thanks to a 66-yard touchdown pass from Kafka to sophomore Drake Dunsmore. Auburn answered with two Ben Tate scores to put Auburn up 35-21.
After a Wildcat touchdown, missed extra point and a Tate fumble, Northwestern was once again knocking on the door looking to tie the game.
The 'Cats capped off a 69-yard drive on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Kafka to junior wide receiver Sidney Stewart and tied the game on a two-point conversion with a pass from Kafka to senior Brendan Mitchell.
Auburn's junior defensive back Demond Washington returned the ensuing kickoff to midfield before he fumbled, giving the Wildcats the ball with 1:03 left in the game before Stefan Demos missed the game-winning field goal from 44 yards.
Auburn senior quarterback Chris Todd completed 20 of 31 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown and ranks third in school history for passing yards.
A total of 18 records were broken in this year's Outback Bowl and 10 were tied.
Outback Bowl Most Valuable Player sophomore wide receiver Darvin Adams had a bowl record tying 12 receptions for a career-high 142 yards.
Auburn is now 7-3-2 all-time against current members of the Big Ten, including a 7-3 record in bowl games.
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