AUBURN, Ala. — In a thrilling conclusion to the game, Payton Thorne connected with KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a decisive two-point conversion during the fourth overtime, leading Auburn to a dramatic 43-41 victory over the 15th-ranked Texas A&M on Saturday night. This hard-fought contest marked a challenging day for teams vying for playoff spots in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
During the last overtime, both teams were given the opportunity to score from the three-yard line. Texas A&M opted for a trick play, with receiver Terry Bussey taking the snap before handing it off to quarterback Marcel Reed, who had lined up as a receiver. Unfortunately for the Aggies, Reed’s pass to Amari Daniels was not completed in the end zone, sealing their fate.
The Tigers, now with a record of 5-6 and 2-5 in the SEC, managed to upset another ranked opponent, providing their supporters a much-needed moment of joy amidst a disappointing season. Fans celebrated by rushing the field, though they refrained from removing the goalposts.
Despite rallying from a significant 21-0 deficit earlier in the game, Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 SEC) faced setbacks similar to those of other SEC contenders, with No. 9 Mississippi having already seen their playoff hopes dashed by Florida’s 24-17 victory. Additionally, No. 7 Alabama was defeated 24-3 by Oklahoma.
The Aggies still maintain hopes of claiming their first SEC championship, but they face tough competition in their next matchup against rival No. 3 Texas.
On the field, Thorne threw for 301 yards, along with two touchdown passes aimed at Cam Coleman. Running back Jarquez Hunter also had an impactful game, carrying the ball 28 times for a total of 130 yards and three touchdowns. Coleman was a standout receiver, logging seven catches for 128 yards, while Lambert-Smith added two receptions for over 100 yards.
For Texas A&M, Reed contributed significantly with 297 yards through the air and three touchdowns, while Daniels was effective on the ground, rushing 27 times for 90 yards and a score.
The game went back and forth, producing touchdowns in the first overtime and field goals in the second. In the third overtime, both teams were unable to complete their two-point conversion plays, missing passes from the three-yard line.
Auburn managed to push the game into overtime thanks to Ian Vachon’s 29-yard field goal with only five seconds left on the clock, following a lengthy 15-play drive that was disrupted by two false start penalties after the team had advanced to first-and-goal.
Bussey also had a notable moment, returning the kickoff past midfield before being pushed out of bounds.
The Highlights:
For Texas A&M, they gained a significant 296 yards in the second half of the game.
Auburn celebrated what could possibly be the most significant victory of coach Hugh Freeze’s tenure, especially after previously squandering leads against both Oklahoma and Missouri.
Looking ahead, Texas A&M will host No. 3 Texas on Saturday, while Auburn is set to clash with No. 7 Alabama the same day.