College Football Around Alabama: Auburn’s Epic Collapse

The Yellowhammer State saw another memorable weekend go into the books as one SEC team saw a road win slip away in memorable fashion.

Auburn’s Monumental Meltdown

While Alabama rang in the homecoming weekend in convincing fashion Saturday night against Arkansas, the Auburn Tigers appeared to be on their way to a huge conference road win at LSU.

Auburn exploded early on building a 20-0 lead in the second quarter before LSU lit up the scoreboard for two touchdowns in the second quarter and 13 decisive points in the fourth quarter for a 27-23 LSU win.

Gus Malzahn’s offense turned up the heat in Baton Rouge throughout the first half as they scored on five of their first six possessions including their first four of the game. The Tigers accounted for 300 yards on 41 plays in the first half, but once LSU gained momentum in the second quarter with two first quarter touchdowns, Auburn never recaptured their early-game momentum.

In the second half, Auburn failed to move the ball consistently going three and out on three different possessions while accounting for just 73 yards on 32 plays.

Their second half struggles were particularly evident on first down as the Tigers netted 32 yards on 11 plays for less than three yards per play on first down.

South Alabama Upsets Troy

Less than two weeks removed from upsetting LSU in Baton Rouge, the Troy Trojans welcomed South Alabama for a Wednesday night affair on ESPN2.

South Alabama came in 1-4 but put together their best effort of the season in a 19-8 shocker on the road.

The Jaguars held the Trojans to 299 yards of total offense including 30 yards rushing. South Alabama also forced four Troy turnovers and recorded a safety in the second quarter.

UAB Holds off Middle Tennessee

In their first season since resuming their football program, UAB is inching closer to bowl eligibility.

The Blazers defeated Louisiana Tech last week 23-22 and pulled off another nail biter over Middle Tennessee 25-23.

After the two teams scored 42 points in the first half, the two teams each managed a field goal in the final 30 minutes of play.

UAB placekicker Nick Vogel converted the go-ahead field goal on a 33-yard kick with 8:16 to go in the game

The win puts UAB at 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Conference USA.

Small College Scene

The FCS and Division II teams around Alabama experienced a victorious Saturday with Jacksonville State, West Alabama and North Alabama all winning in conference play.

Jacksonville State won for the fourth consecutive week defeating Eastern Kentucky 41-25. Quarterback Bryant Horn led the Gamecocks with 231 total yards and three total touchdowns. JSU also did not turn the ball over on offense while forcing EKU into four turnovers.

West Alabama remained perfect in Gulf South Conference play and improved to 6-1 overall thanks to a dramatic fourth quarter win over West Georgia.

UWA trailed 31-17 in the third quarter but outscored UWG 17-0 over the final 26 minutes of the game.

Tigers signal caller Harry Satterwhite hooked up with wide receiver Tra Fletcher for the game-winning 34-yard scoring pass with 3:22 left in the game.

North Alabama dismantled Shorter University 48-0 to even their record at 3-3 on the season. The Lions scored 28 points in the second quarter en route to a 35-0 lead at halftime.

As a team, UNA totaled 328 rushing yards with three different players posting at least 50 yards rushing.

UNA’s defense held Shorter to 10 first downs and 145 yards of total offense.