Auburn edges Baylor 17-16 on fourth-quarter surge in Atlanta

Auburn secures narrow victory in Atlanta

Auburn Tigers defeated visiting Baylor Bears 17-16 on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The home team secured its first win of the season, improving its record to 1-0, while Baylor dropped to 0-1. Attendance at the venue reached 55,068 fans for the contest.

The game was decided in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Auburn’s Byrum Brown ran the ball for 11 yards on a touchdown play, extending the lead to 17-10. Baylor responded with a five-yard pass from DJ Lagway to Gavin Freeman for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-16. Baylor’s subsequent two-point pass conversion failed, sealing the Auburn victory.

Scoring breakdown and key plays

Baylor trailed early as Alex McPherson kicked a 43-yard field goal in the first quarter, giving Auburn a 3-0 lead. The second quarter saw Baylor tie the game at 10-10. Jeremiah Cobb rushed 15 yards for a touchdown for Auburn, but Louis Brown IV caught a 14-yard pass from DJ Lagway to answer for Baylor.

The third quarter was scoreless, with both teams failing to add points. The fourth quarter proved decisive. Rhett Armstrong kicked a 22-yard field goal for Baylor to make it 10-10.

Auburn then scored two touchdowns in the final stretch. Byrum Brown’s 11-yard run gave Auburn a 17-10 lead. Baylor’s Gavin Freeman caught a 5-yard pass from DJ Lagway for a touchdown, bringing the score to 17-16.

Baylor’s failed two-point conversion attempt ended the game.

Statistical highlights

Auburn’s Byrum Brown led the team with 259 passing yards on 26 of 35 attempts, though he also threw three interceptions. Jeremiah Cobb rushed for 53 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries. Keshaun Singleton had seven receptions for 89 yards.

For Baylor, DJ Lagway completed 27 of 54 passes for 333 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Dawson Pendergrass rushed for 88 yards on 25 carries. Gavin Freeman led Baylor receivers with 12 receptions for 154 yards and one touchdown.

Final standings

Auburn Tigers finished the game with a 1-0 record. Baylor Bears finished with a 0-1 record. The game was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401856636