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Auburn Tigers survive upset scare from Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Full highlights, final score and more

By Jonathan Bass

Sep 12, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) intercepts a Jacksonville State Gamecocks pass in the end zone intended for Jacksonville State Gamecocks wide receiver Ruben Gonzalez (15) during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) intercepts a Jacksonville State Gamecocks pass in the end zone intended for Jacksonville State Gamecocks wide receiver Ruben Gonzalez (15) during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jacksonville State played a tighter-than-expected battle on The Plains and nearly upset the Auburn Tigers.

It wasn’t supposed to go like this for the Auburn Tigers when facing reigning Ohio Valley champion Jacksonville State. In scheduling the FCS school for its home opener, the Tigers were supposed to pound the Gamecocks, usher in the GusChamp Era and unveil the most monstrous scoreboard in all the land.

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Auburn hit the scoreboard first with a field goal late in the first quarter. However, the Tigers could never fully gain momentum. Ten second-quarter points from the Cocks gave the underdog visitors the lead heading into the half, 10-6. It could’ve been even more of a lead for Jacksonville State, yet they missed field goals from 39 and 50 yards in the half. Special teams would go on the haunt the Gamecocks.

The second half opened much like the first, with Auburn owning the scoreboard and going up 13-10. Again, though, Auburn could never gain any traction. When it seemed like they had a leg up on the competitors, the Gamecocks came storming back with 13 unanswered fourth-quarter points.

Auburn was severely hampered by turnovers. Jeremy Johnson tossed two picks on the day – the first led to a missed field goal; the second resulted in a Jax State TD. A late fumble by Roc Thomas appeared to the deal for the upset win.

Duke Williams was also shaken up in the second-half, which severely hamstrung the Tigers’ offense. On the day, the Tigers’ vaunted offense had difficulty finding a rhythm, while Will Muschamp’s defense gave up more than 450 yards.

To say the least, fans down on The Plains were (rightly) confused by the goings on.

However, when backed into a corner Auburn was handed a mini-miracle in the form of an ugly late punt from Jacksonville State.

With a sliver of daylight, the Tigers capitalized with a touchdown pass from Johnson to Melvin Ray.

After Auburn sailed a kickoff out of bounds, Jacksonville State was afforded solid field position to finish off the upset. The Gamecocks, however, decided to play for overtime and took a knee.

The home Tigers took the ball on offense to begin overtime and powered down the field for the go-ahead touchdown. State would not have an answer.

Ballgame: Tigers. Crisis averted.

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