FBS1 Agony: Brent Venables sooners brutally scrambled Auburn in a bitter manner” Hugh freeze men invented early pressure with so many charges behind’ but ended up begging for extra help when Venables brought in plan B” here is the funny part of the deceitful match…..
In a thrilling showdown on September 28, 2024, the Auburn Tigers fell victim to a stunning late-game rally by the No. 21 Oklahoma Sooners, ultimately losing 27-21 in front of a disappointed home crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn had controlled much of the game, leading 21-10 at the start of the fourth quarter, only for Oklahoma to storm back with 17 unanswered points in the final eight minutes, highlighted by a critical pick-six.
Dominating Early but Falling Short
Auburn entered the game looking to rebound from a tough start to their season, hoping to regain momentum after previous struggles.
The Tigers set the tone early, especially with Payton Thorne at quarterback leading the offense. Thorne connected with tight end Luke Deal for a touchdown in the second half, extending Auburn’s lead to 21-10. The defense, led by linebacker Eugene Asante and lineman Jayson Jones, managed to keep Oklahoma’s offense in check for most of the game.
Despite their dominance in yardage—Auburn outgained Oklahoma 482-291—the Tigers struggled to put the game out of reach. Key red-zone opportunities were missed, and their inability to extend their lead became increasingly problematic as the game progressed. Though Auburn’s defense was solid for the majority of the contest, the team could not sustain their energy in the closing minutes.
The Turnaround: Oklahoma’s Rally
The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter. Oklahoma’s offense, led by freshman quarterback Jackson Hawkins, had struggled throughout, managing just three points and gaining only 125 yards over their last seven drives.
However, with their backs against the wall, they finally found a rhythm. Hawkins orchestrated a drive that resulted in a field goal, trimming Auburn’s lead to 21-13.
On the very next series, Auburn’s quarterback Payton Thorne faced immense pressure from Oklahoma’s defense, and disaster struck. On third-and-4, linebacker R Mason Thomas blitzed off the edge, forcing Thorne to hurry his throw. Oklahoma’s Kip Lewis intercepted the pass and raced 63 yards down the sideline for a pick-six, sending a shockwave through the stadium. This electrifying defensive play not only gave the Sooners their first lead of the game at 22-21 but also completely shifted the momentum.
Auburn’s Last Stand
Auburn, rattled by the sudden change in momentum, had one more chance to reclaim the lead, but their offense stalled. Oklahoma’s defense, now energized by the turnover, came up with key stops, forcing Auburn into a quick three-and-out.
With the ball back in their hands and time winding down, Oklahoma’s offense sealed the victory with a methodical drive, culminating in a field goal to make it 27-21.
Auburn’s final possession ended in disappointment as Thorne and the offense were unable to mount a last-minute comeback. Oklahoma’s secondary locked down Auburn’s receivers, and the Tigers’ offensive line couldn’t hold up against the Sooners’ fierce pass rush.
### Fallout for Auburn
For Auburn, the defeat marked their third loss of the season, dropping their record to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in SEC play. This loss stung especially hard as Auburn had appeared to be in control for much of the game but faltered when it mattered most. The Tigers’ inability to finish games has become a recurring theme under head coach Hugh Freeze, raising questions about the team’s late-game execution and consistency.
“We had chances to put them away and didn’t capitalize,” Freeze said in the post-game press conference. “Turnovers and missed opportunities, especially late, killed us. We have to learn how to close out these types of games.
### Oklahoma’s Celebration
On the other side, Oklahoma’s dramatic win improved their record to 4-1, giving them their first-ever SEC victory. After the game, the Sooners celebrated the comeback as an example of their resilience and belief in “Sooner Magic,” a term often used to describe their knack for pulling off improbable wins.
As the Sooners look ahead to the rest of their season, this victory will serve as a morale boost, especially considering their earlier offensive struggles. For Auburn, however, the focus shifts to regrouping and addressing their late-game woes as they head into the heart of SEC play.
Auburn’s loss to Oklahoma showcased both their potential and their ongoing struggles. The Tigers had the Sooners on the ropes but were unable to deliver the knockout blow.
Oklahoma, capitalizing on Auburn’s mistakes, mounted an unforgettable rally that highlighted the Tigers’ need for improvement in crunch time. As the season progresses, Auburn will need to find a way to finish games if they hope to turn their season around.
