The Auburn family hoped that handing the keys to interim head coach D.J. Durkin this week would provide a spark.
Although the Tigers’ offense improved, this time it was the defense that proved costly in No. 16 Vanderbilt’s 45-38 overtime win over Auburn.
“Tough one,” Durkin said. “I just want to say that I’m really proud of Coach Nix’s offense and how they prepared. Defensively, we didn’t respond well. We made too many mistakes and didn’t get enough stops. That was the difference in the game.”
Quarterback Ashton Daniels and the offense got off to an electric start and didn’t take their foot off the gas, putting up 38 points. However, the usually steady Tigers defense wasn’t itself, allowing 544 yards of offense.
“It seems like time and time again, nothing goes our way,” Daniels said. “It hurts.”
Auburn’s wide receiver duo of Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr. shined in Music City, combining for 21 receptions, 245 yards and two touchdowns. Coleman’s biggest moment came with 5:27 left in regulation, when he made an absurd one-handed catch that tied the game after his two-point conversion reception.
“Those guys are two of the best football players in the country,” Durkin said. “That was our plan to get them the ball as much as possible.”
Daniels, a Stanford transfer, delivered an outstanding bounce-back performance, finishing 31-of-44 for 353 yards and two passing touchdowns. The senior also added 89 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
“He was absorbing information and making good decisions throughout the entire game,” Durkin said. “I can’t say it enough, that kid’s got some substance to him.”
Vanderbilt quarterback and Heisman Trophy dark horse Diego Pavia had another terrific day, both on the ground and through the air. The Albuquerque, New Mexico, native finished 25-of-33 for 377 yards and three passing touchdowns. He also ran for 112 yards and a score.
Earlier in the season, when the Tigers fell behind, the energy on their sideline often evaporated. This time, trailing by eight points in the fourth quarter, Durkin’s group battled back and forced overtime.
“It was great to see our guys respond,” Durkin said. “Our guys never flinched. To the last play, they battled.”
Durkin, who will be a candidate for Auburn’s permanent head coaching job, was emotional during his postgame press conference, showing how much the orange and blue mean to him.
“Every coach in the country is calling these guys trying to drag them into the portal,” Durkin said. “They stuck together for one another.”
Projected 2026 NFL Draft first-round pick Keldric Faulk once again made his mark, recovering a fumble late in the second quarter. After former head coach Hugh Freeze was fired, Faulk was one of the veteran leaders who rallied around Durkin.
“He brought life to the table,” Faulk said of what Durkin brings as interim head coach. “We play for Coach Durk.”
The Tigers have one of the most loyal fan bases in college football, showing up week after week no matter how the product on the field looks. This afternoon was no different, as the Auburn faithful made their presence known.
“Our fans are one of a kind,” Durkin said. “They don’t care how the season's going, or where the game is, they show up. There was orange and blue everywhere, so credit to them.”
Auburn will look to keep its bowl game hopes alive next weekend against Mercer at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers must win their final two games to become bowl eligible and avoid missing the postseason for a second straight year.
“This is Auburn. We didn’t come here to get close,” Durkin said. “We came here to win championships, and that’s what we’re going to do. We’re building a program to win championships.”
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Rory is a sophomore majoring in journalism sports production. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @RorymGarvin
