Third downs and missed opportunities in the red zone proved costly for Auburn as the Tigers fell 28-14 to Alabama in Saturday’s Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa.
Auburn repeatedly came up empty in the red zone, especially in the first half. Despite drives of 52, 56 and 72 yards, the Tigers struggled to finish, coming away with points on just one of those possessions — a 37-yard field goal.
“It could have been a different game,” said Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze. “Sure, if you put those in the end zone where we had the opportunity three times in the first half.”
Perhaps Auburn’s most frustrating missed opportunity came after forcing a fumble at Alabama’s 35-yard line. Despite reaching the Crimson Tide’s two-yard line and running three plays, the Tigers had to settle for another field goal, and they eventually trailed 14-6 at the half.
The Tigers forced four turnovers and totaled 399 yards on offense but managed only six points off of turnovers.
Auburn’s three missed opportunities for touchdowns in the red zone came back to haunt it.
The Crimson Tide came out strong in the second half, stringing together back-to-back touchdown drives to extend their lead to 28-6, leaving the Tigers to rue their missed opportunities from earlier in the game.
During Alabama’s back-to-back scoring drives in the third quarter, Auburn’s offense faltered with consecutive three-and-outs, failing to convert on third down. The Tigers managed just 4-of-12 third-down conversions on the day, while the Crimson Tide’s efficient 12-of-18 performance kept Auburn’s defense on the field and under constant pressure.
“I think the difference in the game was (Alabama’s) ability to stay on the field on third down and us not being able to score in the red zone,” Freeze said.
The Crimson Tide won the time of possession battle 36:35 to the Tigers’ 23:25.
Auburn was able to chip away at Alabama’s lead, bringing the score to 28-14 after a 29-yard touchdown pass from Payton Thorne to Cam Coleman and a successful two-point conversion attempt.
The Tigers forced a fumble on the next drive, creating an opportunity to cut the deficit to one possession. A 17-yard pass from Thorne to KeAndre Lambert-Smith moved Auburn to the Alabama 30-yard line, putting the Tigers in striking distance.
However, the momentum was short-lived. On the very next play, Jarquez Hunter’s attempt at a double-pass trick play was intercepted, ending the drive. Auburn’s offense would not find the end zone again.
With the loss, Auburn’s hopes for a bowl bid officially came to an end, extending the program’s streak to six seasons without a bowl victory.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Grace Heim is a senior from Enterprise, Alabama, majoring in Political Science. She started with The Plainsman in January of 2023.
You can follow her on X (Twitter) at @graceeheim
