Missouri’s defense holds firm in the second extra period as Auburn’s offense stalls, marking another frustrating SEC loss for the Tigers under Hugh Freeze.
Missouri opened the second extra period strongly, converting a third-and-10 and then capping the drive with quarterback Beau Pribula’s 3-yard touchdown run. Auburn’s two-point try went incomplete, leaving the Tigers down six. On Auburn’s ensuing possession, two loss-of-yardage plays put them out of rhythm and on fourth down their incompletion sealed the win for the Visitors.
Earlier, Auburn got on the board first when quarterback Jackson Arnold scored from the one on the Tigers’ initial possession. But consistency eluded the home side throughout the night. Auburn kicker Alex McPherson missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in overtime, his third miss of the evening.
Missouri’s defensive resilience proved the difference. Linebacker Zion Young twice sacked Arnold in the fourth quarter, and the Tigers held Auburn in check during key moments. On offense, running back Ahmad Hardy logged 58 yards and two scores, tying the game at 17-17 with 5:07 to play in regulation.
Auburn’s frustrations continued as coach Hugh Freeze lamented, “Another game where we find ways not to win… We’re finding ways to not make enough plays collectively in all facets – coaching, offense, defense, special teams.”
Despite rushing for 111 yards from freshman Jeremiah Cobb and a 108-yard night for receiver Cam Coleman on six receptions, Auburn’s miscues proved costly. Two critical 15-yard penalties late in the fourth quarter gave Missouri life, and Auburn’s offense stalled when it mattered most.
For Missouri, the win secures bowl eligibility and elevates confidence as the Tigers head deeper into conference play. For Auburn, the 3-4 (0-4 SEC) record spells mounting alarm in an already turbulent campaign. Next up, Auburn travels to face the Arkansas Razorbacks, while Missouri looks ahead to a high-stakes clash with the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Key takeaways:
- Missouri found a way to win ugly — converting when needed, defending the red zone, and making plays when Auburn didn’t.
- Auburn’s inability to finish drives, combined with missed kicking attempts and penalties, continues the trend of close but lost games under Freeze.
- The double-overtime format underscores how competitive this game was — and how thin the margin is between turning a near-win into yet another loss.
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-- By Masakela P. Rawls
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