This season started with a lot of promise and excitement after Auburn defeated Baylor 38-24 in the opener and started 3-0. Most people wouldn’t have predicted three straight losses once the Tigers began SEC competition. The three games have followed the same script. The defense supports the team and gives the offense opportunities to score points. During the current three-game losing streak, Auburn has scored just 37 points. The defense on average is giving up 20 points. An average offense would have resulted in a 6-0 record for this team.
On Saturday night, the Tigers’ offense played well for most of the first half against the Georgia defense in a 20-10 loss. They opened the game with a 14-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a two-yard touchdown by Jackson Arnold to open a 7-0 lead. The Tigers used the running game to create passing opportunities for Arnold. After a Georgia punt, Auburn went on another long drive. This time, a 12-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 25-yard field goal by Alex McPherson to give the Tigers a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter.
The most important moment of the game is the one that everyone was talking about during and after the game. That is, of course, Arnold’s fumble at the goal line as the Tigers looked to take a 17-0 lead. The video appeared to show Arnold crossed before the ball was released, but the replay officials rewarded Georgia with the ball. That play changed the entire game.
Auburn would not score another point the entire game and the Bulldogs outscored it 20-0. Auburn gained 227 yards in the first half and only 50 yards in the second half with three points plus two turnovers. The controversial call cost Auburn points, but how they responded to the spin dictated the rest of the game. Good football teams can bounce back when something bad happens. This Auburn team has proven it can’t do that. Coaches need to do a better job in those moments. It doesn’t get any easier this week with Missouri coming to town. The coaches will need to come up with a better plan, or it could be another loss for the Tigers.