SEC Power Rankings: Alabama is SEC’s only elite team

Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Jason Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown with Auburn Tigers wide receiver Ryan Davis (83) during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

The Auburn Tigers entered the 2015 season with great promise – and sky-high expectations – but finished just 6-6 overall and 2-6 in SEC play following a 29-13 loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl Saturday.

A 14.5-point underdog to its arch rival, Auburn kept the score early as the two teams combined for six first half field goals. The Tigers and Tide then traded touchdowns in the third quarter, which included a 77-yard TD pass from Jeremy Johnson to Jason Smith in a play that drew immediate comparison’s to Ricardo Louis’ catch in the “Prayer at Jordan-Hare” that helped the Tigers beat Georgia in 2013.

However, the long scoring play was the only time the Tigers made it into the end zone and it was one of the few explosive plays for an offense that managed just 270 total yards. Johnson completed just 10 of 23 pass attempts for 169 yards and a touchdown without an interception, but was also sacked three times.

Auburn struggled to move the chains all game and finished with only 12 first downs and 91 rushing yards. Jovon Robinson led the Tigers with 51 yards on 14 carries and Peyton Barber gained 29 yards on eight rushing attempts.

The Auburn rush defense, which has been arguably the team’s weakest link during a disappointing season, couldn’t contain running back Derrick Henry, who ran for 271 yards and a TD on 46 carries. The Tigers allowed 5.7 yards per carry during the game.

The Tigers need a victory in a yet to be determined bowl game to avoid the first losing season for the program since 2012.

Next Game: Bowl Game TBD

Next: Texas A&M