AUBURN, ALABAMA -- The SMU Mustangs made a lot of mistakes. Mistakes to the tune of two interceptions and a fumble.
Despite the mistakes however, SMU fought back in a ferocious manner every single time.
NDL S30 Lou Groza winner Collin Rogers booted a 42 year field goal to push SMU closer at 34-27 with under two minutes left then helped SMU recover an onside kick to stay alive.
SMU marched down after falling on the onside kick and QB Preston Stone connected with WR Jordan Hudson on a deep out route to tie the game at 34-34 with half a minute left. It was Stone's fourth TD pass of the game, rebounding from the two interceptions thrown that led to six Auburn points.
Any time left would be too much time left however as SMU surrendered their fourth deep touchdown pass, this time to the tune of 81 yards as Auburn walked off with the win. In total, Auburn scored four touchdowns through the air of 50+ yards to gain the 41-34 victory.
SMU must quickly regroup and learn how to recognize receivers before they are ten yards upfield as the Central Michigan Chippewas are coming to Dallas for SMU's second game of NDL S31 Block 1.
We welcome to you from The Loveliest Village On The Plains! The Auburn Tigers play host to the SMU Mustangs in Season 31s home opener for Auburn. Coach Shiesty and SMUs coach Block have built a little history the last two season. Block getting the better of Shiestys FIU Panthers two seasons ago and Shiesty returning the favor last season, leading Duke to a thrilling OT victory over Blocks SMU Mustangs. Well, they meet again for a third season in a row. This time coach Shiesty is leading his beloved Auburn Tigers in battle in S31 and Block and SMU visit looking to avenge last seasons loss to coach Shiesty.
We had a feeling we were in for a treat with these two coaches meeting again. If you tuned in, you were not disappointed. These two offenses put on a show, combining for 75 total points put on the board. The difference in this game, believe it or not, was a defense. Auburns defense gave up plenty of yards and plenty of points but they were able to come up with 3 turnovers, a fumble and two interceptions that led to 6 points for the Tigers. Outside of that, both of these defenses looked lost as the two quarterbacks combined for 8 touchdowns through the air. And it was the last couple of minutes of this game that had everyone on the edge of their seat. Down 10, SMU drives down the field and decides to kick a field goal to cut the lead to 7 with a minute and 20 left on the clock. The Mustangs need an onside kick and a TD to tie the game and they do just that. The onside kick was performed to perfection and SMU falls on it to keep their hopes alive. QB Preston Stone leads a perfect drive and gets them in the endzone for his 4th TD of the game and ties it with 30 seconds left. Were thinking a third straight OT thriller between these two coaches but coach Shiesty and Auburn had other plans. With all 3 timeouts left Auburn looks to at least get in FG range and sneak out a win. Well, as he did all day, KLS got loose from his coverage and caught a perfectly thrown ball for a 66 yard walk off touchdown. Another thrilling shootout between these coaches as Auburn takes the W, 41 to 34.
Auburns shining stars were veteran transfer WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Freshman standout WRs Cam Coleman and Malcom Simmons. The trio combined for 354 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. Lets add QB Payton Thorne to that list as he played mistake free football and made some impressive throws in this one.
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