Auburn phenom Bo Nix stuns Oregon, ends Pac-12’s playoff hopes in August

Bo Nix and the Auburn Tigers clawed their way back down 15 points in the third quarter to bring down the Ducks in Arlington, Texas.

The Bo Nix era began on the right foot for the Auburn Tigers after a come from behind victory against the No. 11 Oregon Ducks ended in dramatic fashion. After a slow start with several mistakes, Nix threw a 26-yard touchdown to Seth Williams for the game-winning score.

Auburn wins 27-21.

Bo Nix had arrived. But it took until the last nine seconds for the true freshman to settle in during his debut.

Oregon led 14-0 after the first quarter and 21-13 entering the fourth quarter. Thanks to several missed chances by the Ducks, Auburn was able to hang around. Oregon had their chances to put Auburn away. That’s haunted Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal, but Auburn’s Gus Malzahn finished where Cristobal didn’t.

The two key plays the Ducks will want back are an easy dropped touchdown pass in the first quarter, along with a shanked field goal leaving 10 points out on the field early in the game. Auburn hung around late and eventually added the dagger with just nine seconds remaining.

Setting themselves up for the game-winning field goal attempt with less than 20 seconds ago wasn’t enough for the Tigers as they opted to go for the end zone on one final shot before the field goal attempt. Nix delivered a perfect back-shoulder pass from 26 yards out to steal the game.

This isn’t just a demoralizing loss for Oregon that can define their season before it even starts. But it was a loss for the entire Pac-12. Just as it was when Washington lost to Auburn in last year’s opener. It’s not even September and the conference is written off. The conference could have saved face with a win by Oregon, but the comeback win by Auburn solidifies that the conference will have a tough time making some noise this year.

The Pac-12 has lost 10 in a row to ranked SEC opponents and their playoff hopes are over.

Auburn now looks like they could be a formidable opponent in the SEC with Nix showing signs of a potential superstar with the flair for the dramatic. This win also goes a long way toward cooling the seat under Malzahn. Had Auburn lost, fans would have been googling his buyout.

It took some major poise from Nix throughout the game to not get phased by the early turnovers against a ranked opponent. The 19-year-old former No. 1 dual-threat prospect withstood the early barrage and matured throughout the game before putting the finishing touches on the Pac-12 with a brilliant pass to win the game. His stat line won’t wow you: 13-of-31 passing for 177 yards with two interceptions with his two touchdowns, but he made the throw when it mattered and got the win. That’s the most important stat.

The Tigers now have a huge opportunity ahead of them if Nix can play like he did at the end of that game. Calm, cool and collected while executing smart plays down the stretch is exactly what a team needs at quarterback. Auburn may be ready to take a step forward a year sooner than many people thought.

If there is a steady progression each week, competing with LSU and Alabama in the SEC West might not be as massive of an undertaking as once thought.

Auburn must get off to quicker starts or Texas A&M, LSU and Alabama will convert when given the opportunity, unlike the Ducks who choked when given the chance to make the Tigers pay.

Nix is the new king in Auburn where optimism reigns.

Meanwhile, Oregon has ended the Pac-12’s chance at the crown.