"My mindset is always want the challenge; I always want the game-winner," Auburn kicker Anders Carlson said.
In Auburn's 30-28 win over Arkansas, Carlson got the game-winning opportunity not just once but twice and, with seven seconds left, made it happen.
Heading into Saturday, Carlson was a perfect 7-for-7 on field goals dating back to Nov. 30, 2019.
During that streak, the Colorado native has shown off his leg strength with some long-range field goals. Carlson had a 52-yarder against Alabama last season and last week, a 45-yard make against Georgia.
This Saturday brought additional challenges, though. The kind of challenges that can make an already pressure-filled position even more stressful.
Even though Carlson has stepped up and delivered consistently since November of 2019, the downpour of rainfall and blustery winds made things even more complicated.
Through the first three quarters, Carlson stepped up and delivered even with the less than ideal conditions with field goals from 47-yards and 25-yards out.
"Mentally, I kinda adjust without me even knowing honesty," Carlson said. "I think from just growing up playing sports in the rain. You're more cautious without even knowing it."
Late in the fourth quarter, with Arkansas up 28-27, Carlson received his first opportunity to put Auburn back up with a 34-yard attempt that sailed to the right.
Carlson was hoping for a second chance and his teammates knew it was coming.
"We have a few fortune tellers on the team cause a lot of people approached me and told me I'd get another one," Carlson said. "My mindset was already geared towards that."
Carlson's teammates were correct as Auburn forced a stop on defense and the Tigers got the ball back with 2:06 left in the game.
During that time, Carlson was warming up and staying ready for another opportunity to give the Tigers the lead. While Auburn's defense did its job and the offense mounted a final drive, Carlson remained prepared for his next chance.
"Just kinda shook the other one off," Carlson said. "Me and my holder got a few reps in the net was hitting good, had been hitting good all-day. Just knowing myself, I miss one the next one should go in."
Auburn drove down the field and capped off the seven-play, 23-yard drive with a 39-yard field goal from Carlson with seven seconds left.
"Wild game," Carlson said. "I was happy it ended that way, but credit to all the other guys. A big sign of relief, just very blessed to be here."
It may have taken two tries to nail the game-winner, but Carlson did not doubt the second one.
"No doubt, no doubt at all," Carlson said with a grin.
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Jake Weese, senior in journalism with a minor in history, is The Plainsman's sports editor.
