FCS team Jacksonville State almost pulled off the unbelievable upset against Auburn. It would have been one of the greatest upsets in NCAA history. Luckily for Auburn, they were able to prevent that from happening.
Auburn came into the game ranked sixth in the country, but that could easily change based off of the poor play that was shown by Auburn.
Auburn was led by RB Peyton Barber who had 23 carries for 125 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Auburn quarterback Jeremy Johnson had a rough start but was able to recover as the game went on. After throwing three interceptions last week against Louisville, Johnson finished 21-32 for 236 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Jacksonville State really dominated Auburn for most of the game. They had 438 yards to Auburn's 401. They also forced three turnovers while Auburn had just one takeaway.
Auburn started off the game well with a 27-yard field goal from kicker Dan Carlson. Both teams kicked another field goal, but after that, J'ville St took a 10-6 lead on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Eli Jenkins to Josh Barge.
Jacksonville St took that 10-6 lead into halftime, but shortly after the second half began, Auburn was back on top thanks to a long 51-yard touchdown by Roc Thomas. That wouldn't last for long as Jacksonville St would turn another trip down the field into a touchdown.
Jacksonville St's best player was quarterback Eli Jenkins who finished 26-42 for 277 yards and one touchdown and one interception. Running back Troymaine Pope had the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but Auburn was able to tie it up.
It appeared Auburn would lose after Barber fumbled inside the J'ville St 20, but they were able to get the ball back and they drove right down the field for a touchdown to tie the game with just 40 seconds remaining.
The game would go into overtime and in OT RB Peyton Barber took over. He did most of the work in OT and finished off the Auburn drive with a four-yard run that resulted in a touchdown.
But J'ville St. would not give up on their OT drive. Thanks to a pass interference by Auburn, the Gamecocks were able to get all the way to the Auburn five-yard line. But on third and goal, Jenkins was sacked for a loss of 16 yards and they were not able to convert on a long fourth down. Jenkins completed a desperate pass but it was ruled incomplete, as the receiver could not get his foot down in time.
After almost being upset by the Gamecocks, things will only get tougher for Auburn. Coming off a game in which most people figured would be fairly easy, things get worse for Auburn as they begin their SEC schedule. Next week they travel to Baton Rouge to take on their SEC West rival the LSU Tigers.