Battle in Atlanta

Defense Reigns Supreme in Atlanta as Auburn Takes Down Baylor in a 17-16 Battle.

Auburn, led by new head coach Alex Golesh, gets a tight win to open their 2026 campaign.

Love love nail-biters that come down to the absolute final play of the game? I would imagine we all do. Well, that was the case in this tight and physical showdown. After a sluggish offensive start for both sides, a late second quarter surge sees them both breaking lose for touchdowns. For Auburn this comes from RB Jeremiah Cobb breaking loose for a 15-yard TD. Baylor QB DJ Lagway answers with a late drive ending in a 14-yard TD to WR Louis Brown IV. This caps the end of first half in a tight 10-7 game.

Draw the curtains now, some fourth quarter drama is incoming. The game still stands at 10-7 until Baylor levels the score with a short 22-yard FG. Auburn answers immediately with a 75-yard drive capped off USF transfer QB Byrum Brown using his legs for an 11-yard go ahead score with under two minutes left in the game. Baylor, now running the two-minute drill, answers with their own 75-yard drive ending in a short touchdown completion from Lagway to WR Gavin Freeman. The fans, looking for some thrilling overtime drama, get their wish early as Baylor opts to go for the win rather than the tie. Does this payoff? The defensive play of Auburn’s early season helps them secure the win as Safety Eric Winters stops Baylor TE Matthew Klopfenstein inches short of converting the two-point try. Like they say, it’s a game of inches. If you haven’t already, go watch the thrilling end to this game.

Key Stats/Leaders

• Auburn QB Byrum Brown (26-35, 259 Yards; 21 Carries, 27 Yards, 1 Game Winning Rushing TD)

• Auburn RB Jeremiah Cobb (12 Carries, 53 Yards, 1 TD)

• Baylor WR Gavin Freeman (12 Receptions, 154 Yards, 1 TD)

What’s Next?

• Auburn takes on Southern Miss looking for a clean win as they open as 29.5 point favorites

• Baylor returns home looking for a huge bounce-back win as they take on Prairie View A&M