AUBURN, Ala. — In a pivotal game, Diego Pavia threw two touchdown passes, including a crucial 4-yard completion to Eli Stowers with just 4:18 remaining, leading Vanderbilt to clinch bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018 with a 17-7 victory over Auburn on Saturday.
The Commodores (6-3, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) celebrated another unexpected triumph this season through a meticulous 14-play, 78-yard drive that took nearly nine minutes off the clock. A key moment came when Keldric Faulk was penalized for leverage while attempting to block a field goal from Brock Taylor, granting Vanderbilt a first down at the 4-yard line.
On the other hand, Auburn (3-6, 1-5) is now facing the brink of its fourth consecutive losing season following this defeat.
Although Pavia faced considerable pressure throughout the game, he nonetheless managed to secure his second win over Auburn. He completed 9 of 22 passes for a total of 143 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown strike to AJ Newberry. Previously, he led New Mexico State to a stunning upset against the Tigers last season before transferring to the SEC and contributing to this less surprising win.
Auburn’s final opportunity to remain competitive in the game ended when Towns McGough’s 52-yard field goal attempt fell short, marking his second miss of the game. By the time the Tigers lost possession through a fumble in the last two minutes, a significant number of fans had already left the stands.
Entering halftime, the Tigers managed to tie the game at 7-7 after converting two critical fourth-down plays in their own territory, culminating in Thorne’s 30-yard touchdown pass to Rivaldo Fairweather.
Vanderbilt regained the lead with a 31-yard field goal from Taylor late in the third quarter. This scoring opportunity followed a successful challenge that overturned a previously ruled fumble by Moni Jones and was initiated by Martel Hight’s impressive 39-yard punt return to the 21-yard line.
The Commodores’ defense effectively contained Jarquez Hunter, limiting him to just 50 yards on 12 carries after his impressive 278-yard performance against Kentucky the previous week.
**Key Takeaways**
*Vanderbilt:* The Commodores continue their notable season, which includes a stunning victory over then-No. 1 Alabama, finding ways to secure wins even while being outgained 327-227 in total offense.
*Hours offer Auburn:* The Tigers were unable to convert a third down until the first play of the fourth quarter, missing their first nine opportunities and finishing with only 2 successful conversions out of 13 attempts. To achieve bowl eligibility, Auburn must win against UL Monroe, No. 10 Texas A&M, and No. 14 Alabama.
**Looking ahead**
Vanderbilt: The Commodores will host South Carolina on November 9.
Auburn: The Tigers will face ULM on November 16.