Tigers force two turnovers and take a halftime lead, but Bishop powers Tennessee's second-half comeback before the Volunteers make a critical fourth-down stop.
Bishop carried 34 times and accounted for 220 of Tennessee's 323 total yards as the Volunteers leaned heavily on their running game after trailing 7-3 at halftime.
Auburn (3-2, 1-2 SEC) forced turnovers on consecutive Tennessee offensive plays late in the first half and pulled within three points in the fourth quarter. But Tennessee (4-1, 1-1) stopped the Tigers on fourth-and-1 before Bishop's third touchdown helped seal the victory.
“Our guys will continue to fight and scrap,” Auburn coach Alex Golesh said. “To win games on the road, the margins are even tighter.”
Auburn struggled to establish its offense early, gaining 25 yards in the first quarter while dealing with penalties and poor field position.
The Tigers' defense kept Tennessee in check, recording four tackles for loss and holding the Volunteers to 42 yards in the opening quarter. Da'Shawn Womack highlighted the effort with back-to-back sacks.
Tennessee broke through in the second quarter when Cooper Ranvier kicked a 36-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
Auburn's defense then generated the momentum-changing plays that allowed the Tigers to move in front.
Cody Sigler forced a fumble on third-and-1 that Jared Smith recovered. Auburn eventually punted, pinning Tennessee at its 11-yard line.
On Tennessee's next offensive snap, Xavier Atkins intercepted Faizon Brandon and returned possession to Auburn at the Volunteers' 20.
The Tigers capitalized.
