‘It’s personal’: Texas A&M recounts historic four overtime game at Auburn
Auburn football’s home finale with Texas A&M last year was an instant classic.
The Tigers 43-41 victory in four overtimes over the Aggies served as a high point in a season full of lows. For Texas A&M, it was the start of an end of season collapse that hindered the Aggies from the College Football Playoffs.
Entering Jordan-Hare Stadium as the No. 15 team in the country, a victory over Auburn would’ve punched the Aggies ticket to the SEC championship game. However, the loss forced a win-and-in game that next week in the Lone Star showdown against Texas.
Texas A&M lost 17-7 and the Longhorns advanced to the SEC championship.
“I think anytime you experience that, and unfortunately sometimes even more so when you experience failure, if you do it the right way, you learn and you grow and you come back a better coach and a better team, more ready to handle those types of situations in the future,” Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said at SEC media days.
“It was a great game at Auburn,” Elko added. “I wish the result would have been a little different. I have been a part of five Texas A&M vs Auburn games, and they all have been like that.”
Following Auburn’s victory over Texas A&M, Auburn fans rushed the field and celebrated with the team. Aggies offensive lineman Ar’maj Reed-Adams still replays that moment in his head.
When asked about the Tigers matchup, he desperately awaits the rematch in College Station.
“Yeah, it’s definitely personal. Like, it’s coming. That’s all I’ve got to say,” Reed-Adams said.
Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III got injured during last year’s Auburn game and watched the finish from the sidelines.
“Seeing how it ended and me not being able to finish the game because of an injury was really tough,” Lee said. “Watching my teammates go out there and battle for me and our team and still fall short was hard to see.”
“I’m waiting for that game and I’m real excited.”
Auburn travels to Texas A&M Saturday, September 27th for its second conference game of the season.
Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].
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