The momentum Auburn built following its win over Kentucky last week was quickly stolen on Saturday by the visiting Vanderbilt Commodores.
Despite outplaying Vanderbilt in multiple categories, Auburn failed to find the win column, dropping a 17-7 decision to Vanderbilt on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn.
Auburn (3-6, 1-5 SEC) outgained Vanderbilt (6-3, 3-2 SEC) by 100 yards (327-227) and completed 30% more of its passes than the Commodores. However, several glaring stats ultimately led to the Tigers’ defeat.
Auburn struggled at converting third-down opportunities, advancing on 2-of-13 chances. The Tigers were also held out of the red zone, while Vanderbilt scored on both opportunities. Vanderbilt’s ability to break into Auburn’s backfield was another factor. The Commodores recorded seven tackles for loss, including three sacks on Saturday for a loss of 22 yards.
Auburn also struggled with building long possessions. Auburn’s lone scoring drive lasted 11 plays, covering 80 yards and 5:30. Following that touchdown drive in the 2nd quarter, Auburn failed to put together a drive that covered eight plays and last more than four minutes.
Vanderbilt broke a 7-7 halftime tie with 1:05 in the 3rd quarter with a 31-yard field goal from kicker Brock Taylor to move Vanderbilt ahead, 10-7. The Commodores delivered the dagger with 4:18 remaining in the game with a four-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Diego Pavia to Eli Stowers to push the Vanderbilt lead to 17-7.
Vanderbilt’s 4th quarter touchdown drive was set up by a penalty on a previous play. Auburn’s defense held Vanderbilt to 4th down and 6, which set up another field goal opportunity. Taylor’s kick attempt was successful, but a penalty on Auburn’s Keldric Faulk for jumping on the block attempt resulted in a fresh set of downs for Vanderbilt. The Commodores scored the game-clinching touchdown two plays later.
Each team traded punts in the first half before the game’s first score was recorded. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia connected with receiver AJ Newberry for a 28-yard touchdown pass with 0:50 remaining in the opening quarter to push the Commodores ahead, 7-0.
Auburn answered three possessions later with a touchdown pass of their own. Rivaldo Fairweather hauled in a 30-yard pass from Payton Thorne with 6:45 remaining in the first half to tie the game at 7-7, a score that remained heading into the locker room. Auburn outgained Vanderbilt 214-132 in the first half and held the football nearly five minutes longer than the Commodores. However, Auburn failed to convert all seven of their third-down opportunities and scored on just one of their seven first-half possessions, which limited their ability to find the end zone.
Auburn will step away from play next weekend to prepare for their season’s final three games. The Tigers will face ULM on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11:45 a.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
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