Auburn Stuns No. 1 Georgia 27-24 on Last Second Field Goal in SEC Upset

Auburn Kicker Alex McPherson’s Makes 34 Yard Field Goal as Time Expired

Auburn pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the college football season Saturday, defeating No. 1 Georgia 27-24 on Alex McPherson’s 34 yard field goal as time expired. The Tigers rallied from an early 14-point deficit behind quarterback Byrum Brown’s powerful running game before capitalizing on a costly late turnover by the Bulldogs to secure the Southeastern Conference victory.

McPherson’s game winning kick sent Auburn players swarming onto the field as the Tigers celebrated a victory that ended Georgia’s dominance in the rivalry. Brown rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries while also throwing a scoring pass, leading an Auburn offense that consistently challenged the Bulldogs with its physical, run-first approach.

The loss marked the second consecutive week the nation’s top ranked team in the AP Top 25 fell to an unranked opponent, following then No. 1 Texas’ defeat against Oklahoma last Saturday. According to Sportradar, it was the first time the No. 1 team in the AP poll lost in consecutive weeks since October 1990.

Georgia saw its nine-game winning streak against Auburn come to an end, along with its streak of 53 consecutive victories over unranked opponents. The defeat also is expected to cost the Bulldogs their place atop the AP Top 25 after just one week at No. 1. Auburn improved to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play with a comeback victory that could reshape the conference race.

Auburn Capitalizes on Costly Georgia Turnover

Georgia appeared poised to escape with a victory after quarterback Gunner Stockton engineered a fourth-quarter touchdown drive to tie the game at 24-24. The Bulldogs took possession at their own 6-yard line and marched 94 yards in 13 plays, capped by Stockton’s 4-yard touchdown pass to London Humphreys.

The tying score came after Auburn had built a 24-14 advantage, with Georgia cutting the deficit on Peyton Woodring’s 42-yard field goal before Stockton delivered the game-tying touchdown. However, the Bulldogs’ momentum disappeared on their next possession. With 58 seconds remaining and Georgia driving for a potential go-ahead field goal, Stockton fumbled while running with the ball from the Auburn 46-yard line.

Auburn safety Sylvester Smith-Reed recovered at the Tigers’ 44, giving the home team an opportunity to win the game. A roughing-the-passer penalty against Georgia defensive lineman Gabe Harris Jr. helped Auburn move into position for the decisive kick. McPherson then connected from 34 yards as time expired, completing the upset and sending the Auburn faithful into celebration.

Stockton finished the game with two interceptions in addition to the late fumble. His two interceptions doubled his previous season total through Georgia’s first six games, underscoring the mistakes that ultimately proved costly for the Bulldogs.

Byrum Brown Leads Auburn’s Physical Comeback

After falling behind 14-0, Auburn responded with a physical offensive attack built around Brown’s ability to run between the tackles and create opportunities outside the structure of the play. The 235-pound quarterback consistently challenged Georgia’s defense on designed runs and when scrambling after dropping back to pass.

His combination of power and mobility helped the Tigers establish control of the game and wear down the Bulldogs as the afternoon progressed. Auburn outrushed Georgia 192-113, a significant advantage that reflected the Tigers’ dominance at the line of scrimmage. Brown accounted for 115 rushing yards and a touchdown while adding a touchdown pass to lead the offensive effort.

Georgia also struggled to establish its ground game despite the return of tailback Nate Frazier, who started after missing time with a rib injury. Frazier managed just 19 yards on nine carries, limiting the Bulldogs’ ability to balance their offense and control the clock. The Tigers’ ability to win the battle on the ground proved decisive, particularly after Georgia established an early lead.

Georgia Starts Fast Before Auburn Takes Control

Georgia looked dominant during the opening minutes, overcoming an early scare when Stockton had to leave the game after hitting the field helmet-first on the opening play. Ryan Puglisi entered at quarterback and completed all three of his pass attempts, including a 41-yard completion to Craig Dandridge Jr. The drive ended with Dwight Phillips scoring on a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.

Stockton returned for Georgia’s next possession and immediately made an impact, throwing a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Lawson Luckie. The score extended the Bulldogs’ advantage to 14-0 and appeared to put the visitors firmly in control.

Auburn responded by leaning on its running game and steadily working its way back into the contest. Brown’s physical running helped the Tigers find their rhythm, and the home team eventually scored 24 consecutive points to turn the early deficit into a 24-14 lead.

Georgia attempted to rally late, with Stockton’s touchdown pass to Humphreys tying the game, but the Bulldogs could not overcome the turnover that set up McPherson’s winning kick. Discipline also played a role in Georgia’s downfall. The Bulldogs committed three personal foul penalties, extending Auburn’s opportunities and adding to a series of mistakes that undermined their comeback effort.

Up Coming Football Games for Auburn and Georgia

Auburn will look to build on its signature victory when it hosts No. 22 LSU next Saturday. The Tigers will face another important SEC test after LSU recorded a 31-0 victory over No. 16 Mississippi State on Saturday.

For Georgia, the loss provides an unexpected opportunity to regroup during an off week before facing Florida on Oct. 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Gators enter the rivalry matchup with momentum of their own after upsetting No. 7 Texas 27-24. The Bulldogs will need to correct their turnover problems, improve their rushing production and regain their defensive discipline before returning to action.

Auburn, meanwhile, can celebrate a statement win that ended two remarkable Georgia streaks and delivered one of the SEC’s most dramatic finishes of the season. McPherson’s last-second field goal capped a comeback built on physical football, timely defensive plays and a quarterback performance that helped the Tigers topple the nation’s top-ranked team.