Turnover Follies Continue as Auburn Drops to Oklahoma

© Jake Crandall/Advertiser/USA/TODAY/NETWORK

The Auburn Tigers (2-3, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) fell to the No. 21 Oklahoma Sooners (4-1, 1-1) 27-21 on Sept. 28 in Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. True freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. put the Sooners up early with a 48-yard rushing touchdown. Then it became a defensive slugfest.

Game Summary

The key for the Tigers in this game was avoiding turnovers, which they did. Until they didn't. After Hawkins' score, Auburn controlled the game. The Tigers outgained the Sooners 482 yards to 291. Auburn also ran 75 plays to the Sooners' 47. The narrative going into the week was about Auburn's tendency to turn the ball over versus Oklahoma's propensity to force turnovers. The Tigers made a good showing for the first three quarters, but it was, of course, an interception that sealed their doom.

Play of the Game

Of course, it's quarterback Payton Thorne's pick-six. The Tigers are actually pretty good on offense when they hold onto the ball. Tops in the league in yards per rush, tops in the league in yards per play. What has to happen for Auburn to win? Don't turn the ball over. And they didn't. Until they did.

Thorne played well for the majority of the game. He completed 21-of-32 passes for 338 yards, 3 touchdowns, and the one, very most important interception. OU linebacker Kip Lewis returned Thorne's arrant throw 63 yards to take the lead for the Sooners.

Looking Ahead: Auburn Tigers

The Tiger offense had their best showing against a very talented Oklahoma defense and still failed to close the deal. Next up is a visit to the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0). Oklahoma was the last home game until November. The road ahead for the Tigers looks dire.

Looking Ahead: Oklahoma Sooners

OU may have found their quarterback. Hawkins flashed with his legs early, but it was his arm that led the team to victory. Hawkins completed 10-of-15 passes for 161 yards, including a 60-yard dot to receiver JJ Hester. The Sooners endured their first SEC road trip and came out with a victory. Next up they take on the No. 1 Texas Longhorns (5-0, 1-0) in the annual Red River Rivalry in Dallas.