It was a game that had all the makings of a blowout. The Auburn Tigers, talented but off to an 0-2 start, had their backs against the wall at home. The ULM Warhawks were coming off one of the biggest wins in program history. It didn't play out like everyone thought it would, though, as the Tigers had to hold on for a 31-28 overtime victory and overcome a heroic effort from the Warhawks.
Louisiana-Monroe Vs. Auburn Final Score: Tigers Survive 31-28 In Overtime Thriller
The game started out ominously for Auburn, as the Warhawks were able to march down the field without much resistance for a quick 7-0 lead on a 1-yard Kolton Browning touchdown pass. Neither defense looked very good in the first half, as both teams traded touchdowns with relative ease until it was 14-14.
The turning point in the game seemed like it was right before halftime, when Auburn went up 21-14 on a 33-yard hail mary pulled in by Sammie Coates in the back of the end zone. When the Tigers scored on their first drive of the second half and blocked a field goal on the next drive, it appeared the game was going to turn into a rout. However, a fumble by Mike Blakely inside the ULM 5 yard line cost the Tigers a chance to really put the game away.
Louisiana-Monroe didn’t give up, though, and two fourth-quarter touchdown passes by Browning tied the score at 28-28 with 1:18 remaining before the game headed to overtime.
The Warhawks started with the ball in overtime, but missed a 37-yard field goal to take the lead. On the ensuing possession, Cody Parkey connected on a 35-yard field goal to win it for the Tigers.
Box Score Hero: Kolton Browning was sensational, going 28-46 for 237 yards and three touchdowns, as well as 58 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Rankings Ramifications: With Auburn still under .500 for the season and Louisiana-Monroe losing their first game, it’s unlikely either team will be ranked after this weekend.
But Did They Cover? Auburn came into the game as a 15.5-point favorite, so they failed to cover the spread.
For More On This Game:
For more, please visit Auburn blog College and Magnolia, as well as SEC blog Team Speed Kills.
Next Week’s Schedule:
9/22: Auburn vs. No. 3 LSU
9/21: Louisiana-Monroe vs. Baylor
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