As an Auburn fan, Saturday’s 21-17 loss to Missouri was a gut punch. The Tigers came out strong in the second half but couldn't finish, allowing Missouri to snatch victory in the final minutes. This loss leaves Auburn reeling at 2-5 overall and 0-4 in SEC play, raising concerns about how much this team can improve before the season ends.
Auburn’s Early Struggles and Second-Half Surge
The first half was a low-scoring affair, with both teams exchanging field goals. Missouri struck first with a 51-yard field goal in the first quarter, and Auburn responded with a 32-yarder in the second, tying the game 3-3 at halftime (Fox Sports, 2024). Auburn's defense held strong, forcing a turnover and blocking Missouri from capitalizing on multiple drives. You could feel the tension, but Auburn fans were optimistic that the team could break out in the second half.
Then came the spark we were all hoping for. Just over two minutes into the third quarter, Payton Thorne threw a bomb to freshman wide receiver Cam Coleman, who hauled in a 47-yard touchdown, giving Auburn a 10-3 lead (Fox Sports, 2024). Coleman, already emerging as one of Auburn’s top playmakers, continued to show flashes of brilliance with that acrobatic grab.
The Tigers capitalized again soon after, following a Missouri miscue. After forcing a Missouri fumble, Auburn’s defense set the stage for another score. Thorne orchestrated a solid drive, and Jarquez Hunter punched the ball in from three yards out, putting Auburn up 17-6. At this point, the energy was electric—Auburn was finally executing on both sides of the ball, and the upset looked within reach.
AUBURN FOOTBALL Fourth-Quarter Collapse
Unfortunately, that excitement didn’t last. As Auburn fans know all too well this season, the fourth quarter is where things tend to fall apart. Missouri mounted a furious comeback, starting with a 2-yard touchdown run by Marcus Carroll, followed by a successful two-point conversion that cut Auburn’s lead to 17-14. Auburn’s defense had been stout all game, but fatigue seemed to set in during the final minutes.
Missouri’s next drive was a heartbreaker for Auburn fans. After holding off Missouri’s offense for most of the game, the defense gave up several big plays, including a 38-yard reception that put Missouri in scoring range. Brady Cook, Missouri’s quarterback, calmly led his team down the field, culminating in a 15-yard game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Brett Roberts. With just over a minute left, Missouri took a 21-17 lead, sending a wave of silence over the Auburn sideline (College Football Network, 2024).
Missed Opportunities
Auburn’s offense had one last chance to pull off a miracle, but poor execution and a costly holding penalty killed any momentum. Thorne's final pass was broken up, sealing Auburn’s fate.
This was a game Auburn could have—and should have—won. The Tigers had chances to extend their lead, including a missed field goal that could have provided some much-needed breathing room. Special teams miscues, including the missed 30-yard field goal in the third quarter, cost Auburn dearly. It’s these kinds of missed opportunities that have plagued Auburn throughout the 2024 season.
Thorne and Coleman Shine, but Auburn’s Offense Lacks Consistency
Payton Thorne’s performance was a mixed bag. He finished with 176 passing yards, completing 17 of 29 attempts, including the impressive touchdown to Coleman. However, Thorne also fumbled twice, one of which Missouri recovered, stopping Auburn’s offensive momentum (Fox Sports, 2024). While he made some big plays, his inconsistency continues to hurt the team.
Cam Coleman’s 47-yard touchdown catch was the highlight of Auburn’s offense. The freshman wideout is quickly becoming a fan favorite, showing off his big-play ability. Unfortunately, Auburn couldn’t get him the ball more often, and Coleman finished the game with just one catch.
Jarquez Hunter provided a solid ground game, rushing for 67 yards, but Auburn’s offensive line struggled to protect Thorne, and the running game stalled when it mattered most. Overall, Auburn’s offense looked good in spurts but couldn’t maintain consistency.
What’s Next for Auburn?
Auburn’s bowl hopes are dwindling after this loss. Sitting at 2-5, Auburn must win four of its last five games to reach bowl eligibility, which is a tall order given their remaining schedule. The team will need to regroup quickly, with tough matchups against Kentucky and Texas A&M looming.
For Auburn fans, the frustration is palpable. This season has been a roller coaster of emotions, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by late-game collapses. Hugh Freeze and his coaching staff have some tough questions to answer as they look to turn this season around. It’s clear that this young team has potential, but the inability to close out games has been a recurring theme.
Halftime Tradition
As an Auburn fan, there’s no better place to process the highs and lows of the season than at Halftime Sports Bar in Auburn, Alabama. Whether you’re catching the Tigers live or analyzing every play afterward, Halftime provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy SEC football. With daily specials, a full menu, and ongoing Madden and EA Sports College Football tournaments, Halftime is more than just a game-day destination—it’s an Auburn tradition. Visit HalftimeAuburn.com to learn more and join the community!
Final Thoughts
As an Auburn fan, it’s hard not to feel heartbroken after yet another close loss. There were moments where it seemed like Auburn would pull off the upset, but once again, late-game mistakes and missed opportunities dashed those hopes. While Payton Thorne and Cam Coleman continue to show promise, Auburn needs to figure out how to execute when the game is on the line.
With several tough SEC matchups still ahead, Auburn faces an uphill battle to salvage the season. But as any Auburn fan knows, it’s not over until it’s over. War Eagle!
References
College Football Network. (2024). Auburn vs. Missouri Prediction. Retrieved from https://www.collegefootballnetwork.comFox Sports. (2024).
Auburn Tigers vs. Missouri Tigers - Final Score. Retrieved from https://www.foxsports.com
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