Unranked Auburn upsets CFP-hopeful Texas A&M in 4 OT thriller after game-tying score is dropped
After a weekend full of shocking upsets in college football, the Texas A&M Aggies had a golden opportunity to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. Ranked 15th in the nation, they were poised to make a statement. However, their hopes were dashed as they fell to unranked Auburn in a thrilling game that went into four overtimes before a winner was determined.
Auburn managed to take a 43-35 lead at the start of the fourth overtime, with Payton Thorne connecting with KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a crucial two-point conversion. The Aggies had one last chance to keep the game alive and tried a trick play on their possession. Receiver Terry Bussey took the snap and handed it off to quarterback Marcel Reed, who then attempted a pass to Amari Daniels in the end zone, only to see it fall incomplete.
The Aggies, who had staged an impressive comeback from a 21-0 deficit in the first half, suffered the same fate as other SEC playoff hopefuls on the same day. Florida had upset No. 9 Mississippi, while No. 7 Alabama was handed a surprising loss by Oklahoma. The unranked Auburn Tigers joined the list of spoiler teams in the SEC, delighting their fans who stormed the field in jubilation.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko remained optimistic, acknowledging the disappointment but looking ahead to the next game with energy and determination. Payton Thorne led the way for Auburn with 301 passing yards and two touchdowns to Cam Coleman, while Jarquez Hunter added 130 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
With five top-15 teams falling on the same day, including three from the SEC, the college football rankings are set for a major shakeup. The upcoming bracket projection will provide an insight into the new order of teams vying for playoff contention.
The Aggies still have a chance to make it to the SEC title game, but they face a tough challenge against No. 3 Texas in their next matchup. The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but the Aggies are determined to bounce back from this setback and fight for their spot in the postseason.
In conclusion, the thrilling game between Texas A&M and Auburn showcased the unpredictability and excitement of college football. With the landscape of the sport constantly changing, teams must stay focused and resilient in their pursuit of success. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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