AUBURN | It was a strong performance from Auburn's defense, but their offense and special teams let the team down.

The Tigers managed just 88 rushing yards and were 2 of 13 on third down in a 17-7 loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday afternoon at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn falls to 3-6 overall and 1-5 SEC.

Tied 7-7, Vandy took the lead after Martel Hight set up a 39-yard punt return for a 31-yard field goal at the end of the third quarter.

Auburn's Towns McGough missed a 44-yard field goal early in the second half.

Vandy secured the victory with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Diego Pavia to Eli Stowers with 4:18 left. Pavia was held in check for most of the game, completing 9 of 22 passes for 143 yards but throwing two touchdown passes.

After rushing for 278 yards on 23 carries in a win at Kentucky last week, Jarquez Hunter was only able to rush for 50 yards on 12 carries.

The Commodores' defense recorded seven tackles for loss and three sacks.

Vandy went ahead 7-0 at the end of the first quarter on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Pavia to AJ Newberry, completing an 81-yard drive.

The Tigers answered with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Payton Thorne to Rivaldo Fairweather midway through the second quarter and entered halftime with a 7-7 tie.

Auburn was 0 of 7 on third downs in the first half.

Auburn will take a week off before hosting ULM on November 16th at 11:45 a.m. CT on SECN+/ESPN+.