Despite an all-out performance from Auburn’s defense on Saturday night — including two clutch interceptions, nine tackles for loss, and the stifling of one of the best running backs in the nation — Auburn still ended up on the wrong side of a double-overtime loss to Missouri.
Here’s what happened:
In front of yet another sold-out crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night, Auburn continued its stretch of dominant defensive performances since the start of SEC play nearly a month ago. The most impressive feat of the night was keeping Missouri’s star running back, ULM transfer Ahmad Hardy, in check. Despite recording two touchdowns in Missouri’s win, Hardy averaged just 2.4 yards per carry on 24 attempts. Coming into the game, Hardy ranked second in the nation in rushing yards, averaging more than 7.0 yards per carry through his first six games.
Two Auburn defenders stood out with career nights: sophomore linebacker Xavier Atkins and junior cornerback Kayin Lee. Atkins, who has been having a breakout season for the Tigers, filled up the stat sheet Saturday with an impressive 10 solo tackles. He also recorded two tackles for loss and two sacks, playing a key role in slowing down Missouri’s usually dominant run game. Lee was equally crucial for the Tigers’ defense, notching two pass deflections and a clutch interception late in the second half to stop a driving Missouri offense deep in Auburn territory.
As far as clutch performances go, none were more important than Auburn’s defense on Missouri’s final drive of regulation. After Missouri completed three straight passes of 10 or more yards with under a minute left, it looked certain the Tigers would be well within range to kick a game-winning field goal. But Auburn responded with three straight, game-defining plays to force overtime against the odds. First, Keyron Crawford recorded a sack at the Auburn 37-yard line with under 30 seconds to play. Then, Auburn’s defense secured its ninth and final tackle for loss, pinning Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula six yards behind the line of scrimmage. A false start penalty on Missouri then eliminated any realistic chance at a game-winning field goal. Finally, Auburn cornerback Jay Crawford intercepted a deep pass, forcing overtime and keeping the Tigers in the game.
Even though Auburn had all the momentum heading into overtime, the Tigers’ offense could only muster minus-5 yards of total offense on two overtime drives, leading to another heartbreaking defeat despite yet another stellar defensive effort. After Missouri missed a game-winning field goal attempt at the end of the first overtime, Auburn was still unable to find any offensive spark.
In yet another heartbreaking loss, the Tigers have now dropped four straight games to start SEC play and have won only one of their last six SEC home games. Auburn will have to wait another week to play at home, as the Tigers travel to face Arkansas on the road next Saturday.
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Jonathan is a freshman majoring in industrial and systems engineering. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2025.
