Auburn Football: Tigers make statement with opening win over Washington

The battle between Washington and Auburn football lived up to all the hype. In the end, Auburn came out on top, 21-16, making a statement.

The college football Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game between Washington and Auburn started off one-sided. The Auburn defense held the Huskies to a quick three and out on the opening drive of the game. Auburn quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, then took the Tigers down the field and scored a to go up by a touchdown. On the following Washington drive, Jake Browning threw an uncharacteristic, and seemingly unforced, interception.

By the end of the first half, the Huskies were able to claw their way back into the game. The combination of a few perfect throws from Jake Browning and a pair of spectacular catches, the Huskies brought their deficit to within two points, for a score of 15-13, by halftime.

By the end of the third quarter, we saw no change in score. The excitement of the game continued despite a lack of scoring. After a couple missed field goals and blown red zone trips, we entered the fourth quarter with the drama at its peak.

Washington took the lead, 16-15, early in the fourth quarter after redshirt freshman, Peyton Henry, knocked in a field goal off the right upright. Auburn responded by scoring only the third touchdown of the game, however failed once again on their two-point conversion attempt.

Auburn held off the Huskies’ comeback drive and won 21-16. However, there was much more to the game than the score tells.