A Narrow Margin in Atlanta
DJ Lagway delivered a masterful passing performance, but it was not enough to overcome a resilient Auburn defense that secured a tight 17-16 victory over the Baylor Bears on Saturday. The game, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta before an attendance of 55,068, came down to the final moments as both teams traded blows in a defensive struggle that saw momentum shift repeatedly.
Lagway completed 27 of his 54 pass attempts for 333 yards and two touchdowns, adding one interception. His primary target, Gavin Freeman, hauled in 12 receptions for a game-high 154 yards and one touchdown. Despite Lagway’s individual brilliance, Baylor could not convert a crucial late opportunity, leaving the Bears with their first loss of the season at 0-1.
Auburn’s Ground Game and Defense Step Up
Auburn relied on a balanced attack led by quarterback Byrum Brown, who managed the offense with 259 passing yards on 26-of-35 passing, though he was forced to throw three interceptions. The Tigers’ ground game provided the critical push, spearheaded by Jeremiah Cobb, who rushed for 53 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown.
The Auburn defense rose to the occasion when it mattered most. After allowing Baylor to take a 10-7 lead into the fourth quarter, Auburn tied the game at 10-10 with Rhett Armstrong’s 22-yard field goal. The Tigers then took the lead for good when Byrum Brown rushed for an 11-yard touchdown, extending the score to 17-10.
Keshaun Singleton was a key contributor in the air for Auburn, recording seven receptions for 89 yards.
