"You get into SEC play, it's going to be every single week," Harsin said. "And it's really like that. You're playing good opponents every week that are well coached, that have great players. And sometimes, you've got to find a way. And we did that. We found a way to win the game. And I'm really proud of our guys for that."
Correction, Coach Harsin. Missouri found a way to improbably lose this game.
In the end, it was two bad teams playing a close game and two coaches making head-scratching decisions. Yes, Auburn is 3-1 and 1-0. Is there hope? Sure there is. There is always hope until there is not. But the Auburn team on the field Saturday looked nowhere close to being ready for the real tests that are to come.
-Philip Marshall
The Missouri Game
9/24/22
FIRST QUARTER
Missouri receives goes three and out including a big sack.
Auburn starts on our five.
First down after making 4th and a yard. Hard running by Tank Bigsby.
Center Tate Johnson is down on the field.
Auburn converts a third and 12 as Ashford runs for the first down.
Bigsby runs for the first down to the 23.
First down to the 11.
Next play Ashford on the the QB draw to the end zone.
59 yd drive all on the ground.
Auburn 7 Missouri 0
After one first down Derrick Hall intercepts. The Tigers on the Misosouri 24
First takeaway of the year.
First down then second down at the three and Bigsby powers in.
Auburn 14 Missouri 0
Missouri starts a drive first down to their 32.
4th and 9 at the Auburn 49.
Auburn will start the second quarter first and ten at their 18.
SECOND QUARTER
The Tigers go three and out.
Missouri fair catches at their 46.
Missouri to the Auburn 39.
First down to the AU 20.
Touchdown Missouri running play from just inside the 10.
Auburn 14 Missouri 7
From our 34 Ashford sneaks for the 4th and one first down. third 4th down first down.
Third and 13 fortunately we recover Ashford’s fumble.
The punt goes 61 yds to the Missouri 21 with five minutes left in the half.
Long pass completion to the Auburn 40.
First down Missouri to the 26.
Down to the Auburn 10.
To the four.
Fourth and goal from inside the one and Missouri is going for it as the clock winds down.
QB sneak to the end zone.
Auburn dominated the first quarter but Missouri completely dominates the second.
Auburn 14 Missouri 14
Auburn to the Missouri 33 with 6 seconds left.
Missouri is offsides after Carlson misses the 50 yd attempt.
The 45 yd attempt is also no good.
THIRD QUARTER
Auburn starts three and out. This is ominous.
Missouri from their 26.
Missouri is three and out.
Auburn starts backed up at heir six.
Completion to Shenker to the 23.
To midfield.
Freshman QB on the field.
Ashford may be hurt.
Loss back to the 36.
Punt from there,
Missouri at their 11.
Missouri goes three and out.
Auburn starts atits 34 after a long return is called for holding.
Third down completion to the 47 to Shenker.
Auburn is punting.
1:03 left
QB sack on the Missouri five.
A scoreless third quarter ends with Missouri facing third down from their 17.
FOURTH QUARTER
Missouri is punting. Long punt Auburn starts on its 15.
Auburn tries to run the ball but no success.
Auburn is three and out. Field position is becoming a factor.
Fair catch at the Missouri 40 with 13:28 to go.
Since the first quarter our offense has been nil.
Missouri is quickly to the Auburn 42.
Third and 14 from the Auburn 46.
4th and 14.
Punt to the end zone.
10:58 to go.
From the 20 the Tigers go three and out.
Absolutely no offense. No running game.
Good punt. Missouri starts from their 32
Our defense is going to have to find some way to win this game because we have NO offense.
Three and out for Missouri punting from their 39.
Auburn from their 24.
Pass completion of 23 yds on first down to hear midfield.
We move to third and 13.
Missouri stacks the line of scrimmage and we can’t pass them out of it.
We are punting from from the 48.
Missouri fair catches at the 13 with 5:41 to go.
Missouri goes three and out.
Auburn will start at their 42 with 3:35 to go.
First down completion to the Missouri 38.
1:43 left Auburn 4th and one.
Auburn goes for it but Bigsby loses s yard. Missouri wins the line of scrimmage.
Missouri has first and ten at their 29.
Missouri first down to their 43. 1:30 left.
Their PK is good.
To the AU 49.
To the AU 40.
Yikes completion to the three. Here’s the game. 50 seconds left.
45 seconds left with Auburn’s last timeout taken.
Missouri runs the clock down and tries to kick the winning FG with 2 seconds left.
BUT THE CHIP SHOT IS PUSHED RIGHT!
OVERTIME
Stan White is incredulous.
Auburn ball first. On third and 12 the pass is intercepted but the call on the field is reversed.
Carlson misses the 44 yarder but Missouri is offsides.
Now the 39 yarder is GOOD!
Auburn 17 Missouri 14
The Missouri running black fumbles the ball into the end zone and Auburn recovers in the end zone. The call is reviewed and the call on the field is upheld.
What a game. Never seen one like this before. Auburn is lucky. We are lucky rather than good today.
The first big game at Jordan-Hare as Auburn continues to open the season with five straight home game. It's an orange-out game after Penn State's white-out home game last year. It galls me that Penn State is minus 2.5. We should never be underdogs at home! The Nittany Lions seem figured to win this game. They have a 6th hear senior at QB who passed us to death last year. Our offense is inconsistent. Our pass rush is nonexistent. We can't seem to defend short passes, and this will likely be what we will see all day. 2:30 slot on CBS.
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn kicks off. After two first downs Auburn gets a stop on 4th and short. Their QB was loose but he took a vicious hit and fumbled the ball out of bounds and our defense held on fourth.
Can our offense move the ball from their 47? Bigsby for a good gain to start. Tank rumbles between the tackles for the first down to the Lion 36. We move to third and 7. First down pass to the 8, We move to third and goal. We desperately need the six.
Alas, Finley is saved on third and goal from the nine. Our offensive line gets pushed around on that play. We do get the FG.
Auburn 3 Penn State 0
First play their #24 running back is on the turf. The Lions move almost to our 40. Completion to our seven. On second down their QB finds an open lFroane right up the middle like we didn't have people at the line of scrimmage.
Auburn 3 Penn State 7
Already I have an uneasy feeling. The long completion that set up this drive was a great throw and catch especially a catch by a receiver who seemed to be covered.
One AU first down and then another but called back for holding. We move to third and long. First down completion by Finley. From the Lion 43 Bigsby ramble for nine yards. Short completion to Shenker for the first down. Last play of the quarter as the clock expires Finely rolls right and puts up a stupid pass picked off. We start the second quarter a promising Auburn drive leading to another Finley interception. Finley makes bad decisions. Should never have snapped the ball to start with.
SECOND QUARTER
Lion ball to start the quarter. Three and out and the Lions are punting. Auburn returns close to their 30.
Our offense has absolutely no rhythm. But on third hand eight there's a great throw and completion to the Lion 46. Loss of one on the first play from there absolutely no blocking. Incompletion with a receiver who wasn't looking for the ball. Illegal procedure so now third and 14. Finley runs for the first down. At the Lion 34. A sweep around the right for another first down. From the 22 Hunter runs for another first down to the 10. Now and third and goal from the 7. We come to 4th and goal from the give. FG is good.
Auburn 6 Penn State 7
The Lions convert a third and six and go to midfield as the clock winds down to five minutes. We move to third and 2. Just enough for the first down across the Auburn 40. From the 35 the Lions do a nifty double pass to the Tiger 10. To the 6. To the three with third and goal with 1:50 left. On third and goal from the three the rush to the end zone is clear sailing.
Auburn 6 Penn State 14
1:46 left in the second quarter.
After one first down on the first play thereafter our receiver Shedrick fumbles and they have the ball back at midfield. with 1:01 left.
Somehow we get the ball back when I run to the car and we get to midfield with seconds when Finley loses the ball, gets it back, but the half ends.
Unlikely we will win this game. Our offense is so inconsistent. Two turnovers. Two first and goals but only six points.
HALFTIME
Auburn receives and is quickly third and twelve. Now fourth and long. The offense does not show up to start the third quarter. This game could get out of hand. Good punt to their forty.
First play from scrimmage their RB almost takes it the distance from 60 yards. Two plays and they gash us running the ball. Three plays six points. Penn State comes out to play. Auburn comes out befuddled.
Auburn 6 Penn State 21
If our offense doesn't respond right here and now this game is over and I do not see it happening.
We get a first down on an interference penalty. Next play Finely is immediately pressured and throws the ball away. Next play we get a delay of game. On third and 13 Finley is pressured, drops the ball and PS recovers. This is bad, bad, bad, awful. That's three turnovers for the afternoon. Finley is awful.
PS goes to 4th and 11 to try a long field goal. It's good.
Auburn 6 Penn State 24
Ashford enters the game. The Tigers move to the Lions 37. But now a third and 7 from the 34. We convert 4th and two. We move to first and goal from the eight. We are pushed back. Our line cannot protect Ashford. Now Ashford throws the pick after we are pushed back from the 8 to beyond the 20. Penn State is destroying us totally and simply. This is ridiculous.
The Lions start at our 48. This is pathetic.
I am going to let this account go and will eventually post the final score.
41-12
6:30 kickoff on ESPNU from Jordan-Hare. Coach Harsin is continuing with the 2 QB strategy from last week. Talk is that our receivers need to improve. More defensive linemen need to get into the rotation. Finley threw two interceptions last week. That would cost us a game against stronger competition. The Tigers are -24.
FIRST QUARTER
After two first downs SJS punts. First possession our offense looks awful. Finley is out of sorts. Ashford will be coming in soon. I mean our offense looks bad first possession. The punt is barely over midfield.
Second series Ashford is alrready in the game. Shenker has incurred two penalties already. But on the next play Finley is back.On third and two Ashford is back. Ashford runs for the first down, Finley throws another lazy interception. Yikes!
SJS goes three and out. Again our offense no can go. Penalties we look awful.
The Spartans drive to a missed 40 yd
FG attempt as the first quarter winds down
Finley throws another interception. SJS is in business as the quarter ends.
SECOND QUARTER
From inside the Auburn one great defense. Defense pushes them back to a 33yd FG.
Auburn 0 San Jose State 3
Drmari Alston breaks a big run across midfield. The Tigers convert a fourth down. First down at the 22. On second down procedure. First and goal to the six. Hunter runs it in with 6:31 left in the half.
Auburn 7 San Jose state 3
The Spartans drive completing short passes. First down to the Auburn 17. Interference call on Simpson just outside the goal line. First and goal on the three. 58 seconds left and SJS takes the lead.
Auburn 7 San Jose State 10
HALF
The Tigers come out in the third quarter and march smartly down the field looking like a completely different offense mixing running and short passing. Bigsby runs it in from the one.
Auburn 14 San Jose State 10
After one first down SJS is punting from midfield. AU starts at their 40.
Auburn has about 86 yards in penalties.
Carlson knocks in a 45 yarder.
Auburn 17 San Jose State 10
The Spartans first down to their 38. Their short passing is killing us. We can't stop it.
Down the field they and we can't stop them.
First down at the 12.
We go to the 4th quarter SJS facing third and 9 just outside the Auburn 10.
FOURTH QUARTER
We hold them to a short FG.
Auburn 17 San Jose State 13
14:49 left
Long run by Ashford across midfield.
First down pass to the 4. Finley on the keeper into the end zone.
Auburn 24 San Jose State 13
12:45 left
SJS punts to our 15.
A promising drives ends outside their 45 on fourth down.
SJS starts around their five after a dynamic punt.
SJS gets a long completion.
To our 49.
Spartans driving close play at the sideline reviewed. Pass incomplete.
First down power run on third and four.
To the 20.
4th and 10 from the 20.
FG good.
Auburn 24 San Jose State 16
2:11 left
Ashford runs around right end for the first down on third and seven.
Now comes the prettiest play in football victory formation.
FINAL SCORE
AUBURN 26 SJS 16
WE'LL TAKE IT!
Statistics, scoring plays, notes, quotes and links from Auburn’s 42-16 victory over Mercer on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
KEY STATISTICS
First downs: Auburn 22, Mercer 14
Rushing yards: Auburn 41-285, Mercer 31-74
Passing yards: Auburn 212, Mercer 197
Passes: Auburn 13-21-2, Mercer 21-36-0
Total offense: Auburn 62-407, Mercer 67-271
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE STATISTICS
HOW THEY SCORED
FIRST QUARTER
9:32: Hunter 19-yard run (Carlson kick), 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:28. Auburn 7, Mercer 0
3:43: Shenker 2-yard pass from Finley (Carlson kick), 4 plays, 93 yards, 2:02. Auburn 14, Mercer 0
SECOND QUARTER
10:17: Hunter 2-yard run (Carlson kick), 5 plays, 38 yards, 1:53. Auburn 21, Mercer 0
5:04: Bigsby 2-yard run (Carlson kick), 8 plays, 53 yards, 3:44. Auburn 28, Mercer 0
0:20: Harper 5-yard pass from Payton (Folser kick), 9 plays, 29 yards, 1:09. Auburn 28, Mercer 7
THIRD QUARTER
4:47: Hunter 1-yard run (Carlson kick), 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:13. Auburn 35, Mercer 7
1:29: Bigsby 39-yard run (Carlson kick), 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:56. Auburn 42, Mercer 7
FOURTH QUARTER
7:49: Folser 33-yard field goal, 17 plays, 59 yards, 8:52. Auburn 42, Mercer 10
0:25: Harper 8-yard pass from Payton (kick failed), 9 plays, 53 yards. Auburn 42, Mercer 16.
The 2022 football season begins with the Mercer Bears on ESPN + at Jordan-Hare. Not much is expected from Auburn this year. Hope for a winning season is about all. The Tigers are riding a 5-game losing streak from the ned of last season. The highlight of preseason was the QB battle to replace Bo Nix. TJ Finley will be the starter with Robby Ashford #2. Auburn is a big favorite 20-31 points.
First Quarter
Auburn receives and goes 75 yards for the touchdown capped by a 19-yd scamper to the end zone by Jarquez Hunter.
Auburn 7 Mercer 0
Next Auburn possession a long run by Finley, a 40 yd pass completion to Javarius Johnson, and a one yd pass to Shenker for the touchdown.
Auburn 14 Mercer 0
Second Quarter
Auburn drivess and Hunter scores from the three.
Auburn 21 Mercer 0
53 yd drive
Tank in from the two.
Auburn 28 Mercer 0
Mercer takes advantage of a short field and Finley is intercepted.
Auburn 28 Mercer 7
Third quarter
Auburn drives across midfield but Finley is intercepted again.
56 yd completion from Ashford to JJ who looks good.
Hunter from the two for the score.
Auburn 35 Mercer 7
90 minute weather delay
First play after play resumes Tank makes a dazzling run to the end zone
Auburn 42 Mercer 7
Fourth Quarter
Mercer drives for a FG.
Auburn 42 Mercer 10
We let them score again with 25 seconds left.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 42 Mercer 16
