College Football: 25 most unforgettable games of the 21st century
By Phil Poling
No. 18: Georgia at Auburn, Nov. 16, 2013
The 2013 Auburn Tigers were one of the luckiest, most exciting college football teams in history to watch down the stretch in 2013. Half of their 14 games were decided by one score or less, including another top-25 SEC matchup you’ll see later on our list.
The 9-1 Tigers hosted the 6-3 Georgia Bulldogs. Ranked No. 9 and No. 25 respectively, the Bulldogs were looking to play spoiler; Auburn was still competing for a national championship. Auburn needed a win to help get there, but things didn’t look great for the home team late.
Both offenses were buzzing in this contest, with each team racking up 29 first downs and exceeding 500 yards. Georgia passed for over 400, while Auburn posted about a 60/40 rushing advantage. Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall was the catalyst of everything for the Tigers though, throwing for 229 yards and rushing for 89 and two scores.
Auburn enjoyed a 17-point cushion heading into the fourth. Before long, it was 20 thanks to a field goal. Aaron Murray and the Bulldogs weren’t going to surrender, though. They scored three consecutive touchdowns, giving Georgia a slim, 38-37 lead with only 1:49 left in the fourth. What’s a Tiger to do?
After six plays, Marshall and the Auburn offense were faced with a fourth-and-18 from their own 27-yard line. With time in the pocket (but little on the game clock), Marshall dropped back to pass, stepped up into the pocket, then launched a 50-yard strike into double-coverage.
Luckily for the Tigers, the Bulldog defensive back swatted the interception away his teammate and up into the air. The ball dropped right into Auburn wide receiver Ricardo Louis‘ hands.
It was just a foot race from there and Louis won. “The Prayer at Jordan-Hare” was answered. Auburn won, 43-38 and continued its storied season. This won’t be the last you’ll see of that 2013 Tigers team, though.