The momentum Auburn built after its win over Kentucky last week was quickly stolen by the visiting Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday.

Despite outscoring Vanderbilt in several categories, Auburn failed to reach the win column, losing a 17-7 decision to Vanderbilt on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn.

Auburn (3-6, 1-5 SEC) outgained Vanderbilt (6-3, 3-2 SEC) by 100 yards (327-227) and completed 30% more of its passes than the Commodores. However, several glaring statistics ultimately led to the Tigers' defeat.

Auburn struggled to capitalize on third-period opportunities, making 2 of 13 chances. The Tigers also stayed out of the red zone while Vanderbilt scored on both occasions. Vanderbilt's ability to penetrate Auburn's backfield was another factor. The Commodores recorded seven tackles for loss on Saturday, including three sacks, for a loss of 22 yards.

Auburn also had difficulty setting up long possessions. Auburn's only scoring drive lasted 11 plays and covered 80 yards and 5:30. After that touchdown drive in the second quarter, Auburn failed to put together an eight-play drive that lasted more than four minutes.

Vanderbilt broke a 7-7 halftime score with 1:05 left in the third quarter with a 31-yard field goal from kicker Brock Taylor, giving Vanderbilt a 10-7 lead. The Commodores secured the decisive win with 4:18 left in the game with a four-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Diego Pavia to Eli Stowers, extending the Vanderbilt lead to 17-7.

Vanderbilt's fourth quarter touchdown drive was set up by a penalty on an earlier play. Auburn's defense held Vanderbilt on 4th-and-6, which opened up another chance for a field goal. Taylor's kick attempt was successful, but a penalty on Auburn's Keldric Faulk, who jumped while trying to block, led to a new set of downs for Vanderbilt. The Commodores scored the game-winning touchdown two plays later.

Each team exchanged punts in the first half before the first score was recorded. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia connected with receiver AJ Newberry for a 28-yard touchdown pass with 0:50 left in the first quarter to give the Commodores a 7-0 lead.

Three possessions later, Auburn responded with a touchdown pass of its own. Rivaldo Fairweather caught a 30-yard pass from Payton Thorne with 6:45 left in the first half to tie the game at 7-7, a score that stuck in the locker room. Auburn outscored Vanderbilt 214-132 in the first half and held the football for nearly five minutes longer than the Commodores. However, Auburn failed to capitalize on all seven of their third-down opportunities and only scored on one of their seven first-half possessions, limiting their ability to find the end zone.

Auburn will not play next weekend to prepare for the final three games of the season. The Tigers will face ULM on Saturday, November 16th at 11:45 a.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

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