Auburn’s Offense Wakes Late and Defeated Arkansas in a Comeback Victory

Auburn Finds Its Offense

Auburn’s offense struggled early, gaining 47 yards over its first six drives and failing to convert a third down for much of the first half. Alex McPherson’s 33-yard field goal just before halftime put the Tigers on the board.

The offense surged after the break, scoring touchdowns on four of its five second-half drives. Auburn’s 17 fourth-quarter points helped turn a difficult start into a comeback win.

Brown Leads The Rally

Quarterback Byrum Brown finished with 180 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 122 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. His legs helped extend plays, including a 39-yard run during Auburn’s late push.

Keshaun Singleton caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Brown with 3:58 remaining. Arkansas answered with a touchdown, but Auburn followed with a 10-play drive that set up McPherson’s winning kick.

Defense Keeps Auburn Close

Auburn’s defense kept the game within reach while the offense struggled. The Tigers sacked Arkansas quarterback K.J. Jackson five times and recorded 11 tackles for loss. True freshman linebacker Shadarius Toodle made his season debut and recorded 11 tackles, three sacks and a pass deflection. Sophomore Newboy Fegans intercepted Jackson in the second quarter, setting up Auburn’s opening field goal.

Bowl Eligibility Within Reach

The victory was Auburn’s fifth of the season and the first time head coach Alex Golesh had defeated Ryan Silverfield, dating to their work as head coaches in the American Athletic Conference. Auburn now needs one more win to become bowl eligible, which would be its first postseason eligibility since 2023.

Auburn will travel to Starkville, Mississippi, to play the Mississippi State Bulldogs at 11 a.m. Central time. Broadcast information is expected at the end of Saturday’s slate.