How Auburn football threw away a win against Missouri in one minute

Auburn football was poised to secure its first SEC win of the season against Missouri, holding a commanding lead late into the fourth quarter. However, a series of costly mistakes and missed opportunities in the final minute of play allowed Missouri to pull off an improbable 21-17 comeback victory.

This collapse, which came after Auburn led 17-3 in the third quarter, highlighted the Tigers' struggles to close out games.

Here’s a breakdown of how Auburn lost control of the game in just one minute.

Auburn football's dominance slipped away

After a slow, uneventful first half that ended in a 3-3 tie, Auburn came out strong in the third quarter. QB Payton Thorne shook off a hard hit early in the period, returning to the field to deliver a 47-yard strike to wide receiver Cam Coleman. This touchdown put Auburn ahead 10-3 with 12:34 remaining in the third quarter, shifting momentum firmly in their favor.

Moments later, Auburn capitalized on a special teams error by Missouri. When Mizzou's Luther Burden III fumbled a punt return at the 15-yard line, Auburn’s Antonio Kite recovered the ball in the end zone, extending the Tigers' lead to 17-3 with just over 11 minutes left in the third quarter.

At that point, Auburn seemed to have the game under control, but Missouri slowly chipped away at the lead. Mizzou's running game, led by Marcus Carroll, came to life early in the fourth quarter. Carroll’s two-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion, cut Auburn’s lead to 17-14. Auburn’s defense stiffened, forcing two Missouri punts, but the offense was unable to add insurance points.

This failure to close out the game set the stage for disaster in the final minute.

The final minute: Auburn football's collapse

With just over four minutes left in the game, Missouri took possession at their own five-yard line, trailing 17-14. Brady Cook, Mizzou's heroic quarterback, led a methodical 17-play, 95-yard drive that culminated in a heartbreaking final minute for Auburn.

At the two-minute warning, Missouri faced a second-and-seven at their own 39-yard line. Auburn's defense appeared to be in a strong position, but a critical pass interference penalty on AU cornerback Kensley Louidor-Faustin gave Missouri a first down at Auburn’s 46-yard line. This penalty, which erased a previous incompletion, swung momentum back in Missouri's favor.

Despite being sacked for an eight-yard loss on the next play, Cook kept his composure. Facing third-and-18, he completed a 13-yard pass to Burden III, setting up a manageable fourth-and-five at Auburn’s 41-yard line. With the game on the line, Cook found Burden again, this time for a 16-yard gain, moving the ball to Auburn’s 25.

Auburn’s defense, now reeling, allowed Cook to complete two more passes, bringing the ball to the AU four-yard line. With just 46 seconds remaining, Missouri running back Jamal Roberts punched in the go-ahead touchdown, completing a stunning 95-yard drive and putting Missouri ahead 21-17.

Auburn football's failed last gasp

Auburn still had 46 seconds to salvage the game, but their offense faltered under the pressure. On first down, Thorne's pass fell incomplete. On second down, Missouri’s Johnny Walker Jr. sacked Thorne, pushing Auburn back to their own 17-yard line. Facing third-and-18, Thorne’s next two pass attempts were incomplete, sealing the victory for Missouri.

Auburn’s offense, which had struggled to sustain drives throughout the game, was unable to answer in their final possession.

Auburn’s loss to Missouri serves as a painful reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in college football. After taking a commanding 17-3 lead in the third quarter, AU appeared to be on the path to victory. However, the Tigers' inability to maintain offensive momentum in the second half and key mistakes in the final minute cost them the game.

Missouri’s 95-yard game-winning drive highlighted Auburn’s defensive lapses and the importance of staying composed under pressure. AU's failure to close out the game, particularly with costly penalties and a lackluster final offensive series, turned what should have been their first SEC win into a frustrating defeat.

The Auburn Tigers will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Kentucky next week. If they hope to turn their season around, learning to close out games will be critical.