The people's voice of reason
On Saturday, Oklahoma came to Jordain-Haire and came away with their first Southeastern Conference victory 27 to 21.
Oklahoma scored a touchdown on their first possession with a 48 yard quarterback run by Michael Hawkins. Auburn dominated the first half, but only came away with 14 points, due to a failed attempt on a 4th and goal from the 1 yard line and a missed field goal. Those 10 lost points from the first half loomed large over the Tigers in the second half.
Senior Quarterback Peyton Thorne had his best game of the season going 21 for 32 with 332 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also had 54 yards rushing.
Running back Jarquez Hunter had a stellar game with 17 rushes for 99 yards a 5.7 yard per carry average. Looking back on it, Auburn probably should have run the ball more, especially in the fourth quarter.
Receiver Cam Coleman had 3 catches for 82 yards and KeAndre Lambert-Smith had 5 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. 8 Auburn receivers had receptions on the day.
Oklahoma scored a field goal in the third quarter to narrow it to 14 to 10. Auburn took a 21 to 10 lead in the fourth quarter with a short Thorne pass to Tight End Luke Deal. Auburn also missed a second field goal – going 0 for 2 on the day in field goal attempts.
Oklahoma's quarterback – Michael Hawkins- threw a 60 yard pass play that led to a second score narrowing the Auburn lead to just 21 to 17. Hawkins went 10 for 15 and 167 yards in his first college start.
Auburn has been haunted by crushing turnovers this season; but they appeared to have cleaned that up on Saturday until a rattled Thorne threw an errant pass that the Oklahoma defender ran in for the go-ahead score. Oklahoma went up 24 to 21. On the next possession Auburn went for it on fourth and ten. Instead of throwing the ball up for a receiver to go get it, Thorne held onto the ball and took a devastating sack that put Oklahoma into field goal for 27 to 21.
Auburn head Coach Hugh Freeze had a disappointing first season at 6 and 7. This season could potentially be even worse for the Tigers.
The loss drops Auburn to 2 and 3 on the season. Auburn opened Southeastern Conference play last week with a loss to Arkansas so Auburn is 0 and 2 in the SEC. Auburn travels to Georgia next week seeking their first SEC win.
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