Auburn, Ala.— Beau Pribula powered across the goal line for a 3-yard touchdown in the second overtime, lifting No. 16 Missouri to a hard-fought 23-17 win over Auburn on Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The victory helped Missouri (6-1, 2-1 SEC) bounce back from last week’s home loss to Alabama and remain in the thick of the SEC race.
Running back Ahmad Hardy carried the load for the Tigers, rushing for 58 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-tying 3-yard score with just over five minutes left in regulation. Pribula finished 21 of 33 passing for 252 yards with two interceptions and added 28 yards on the ground, including the decisive touchdown in the second extra frame.
Auburn (3-4, 0-4 SEC) once again struggled to close out a game, remaining winless in conference play. Quarterback Jackson Arnold threw for 207 yards and a touchdown but also suffered his first interception of the season. Running back Jeremiah Cobb ran for 111 yards, while receiver Cam Coleman hauled in six passes for 108 yards.
The game had its share of missed opportunities. Auburn kicker Alex McPherson missed three field goals, including one in overtime that could have given his team the lead. Missouri’s Blake Craig also missed a potential game-winner on the ensuing possession, forcing the contest into a second extra period.
Missouri’s defense came through when it mattered most, stopping Auburn on fourth down in the final series to seal the victory.
“This was a tough environment and a gutsy win,” Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “Our defense stepped up when we needed it, and Beau kept his composure in a big moment.”
Auburn struck first on a 1-yard keeper by Arnold, but Missouri’s defense quickly found its footing, holding the Tigers from the Plains to just 10 points the rest of the way.
Poll implications
With another road win, Missouri is likely to climb a few spots in the next AP Top 25 poll.
Takeaways
Missouri: The Tigers showed resilience on the road, overcoming turnovers and missed chances to grind out a crucial SEC win. Their defense remains one of the team’s defining strengths.
Auburn: The offense remains inconsistent under Hugh Freeze, and missed field goals proved costly. Despite a solid defensive showing, the Tigers’ inability to finish drives remains their biggest hurdle.
Up Next:
Missouri: Travels to face No. 17 Vanderbilt next Saturday.
Auburn: Visits Arkansas in search of its first conference victory.
