By Habari Sports | October 19, 2026
ATHENS, Ga. — The Auburn Tigers delivered one of the biggest upsets of the college football season Saturday, overcoming a 14-point deficit to defeat No. 1 Georgia, 27-24, at Sanford Stadium.
Alex McPherson kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired, completing a dramatic comeback and giving Auburn its first victory in Athens since 2005.
For its performance against the nation’s top-ranked team, Auburn was named the Pop-Tarts Bowl Crazy Good Team of the Week for games played during the weekend of October 17, as selected by the Football Writers Association of America’s (FWAA) All-America Committee.
The recognition marks Auburn’s fourth selection for the award and its first since defeating top-ranked Georgia, 40-17, in 2017.
Auburn Erases Early Deficit Against No. 1 Georgia
Georgia appeared to be in control early, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter in front of its home crowd.
However, Auburn refused to let the early deficit determine the outcome.
The Tigers responded with 24 unanswered points, turning a two-touchdown deficit into a 24-14 advantage.
Auburn’s offense found its rhythm behind quarterback Byrum Brown, who created problems for Georgia’s defense with his ability to make plays through the air and on the ground.
Brown finished the game with 150 passing yards and one touchdown, while adding 115 rushing yards and another score.
His dual-threat performance helped Auburn control stretches of the game and keep Georgia’s defense under pressure.
Late Defensive Turnover Sets Up Game-Winning Kick
Despite Auburn’s comeback, Georgia mounted a rally of its own.
The Bulldogs tied the game at 24-24 with 2:58 remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With the game hanging in the balance, Auburn’s defense delivered the decisive play.
In the final minute, Cody Sigler forced a fumble by Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. Teammate Sylvester Smith-Reed recovered the football at Auburn’s 44-yard line, giving the Tigers one final opportunity to win in regulation.
Auburn’s offense advanced into field-goal range, setting up McPherson for a 34-yard attempt.
As the clock expired, McPherson connected on the kick, sealing a 27-24 victory and handing Georgia a stunning home defeat.
Auburn Coach Praises Team’s Resilience
Following the victory, Auburn head coach Alex Golesh credited his team’s composure and determination.
“The thing I’m most proud of is that nobody flinched,” Golesh said. “That’s the sign of a team that believes in each other.”
The Tigers demonstrated that resilience throughout the contest, recovering from an early 14-point deficit and responding after Georgia erased Auburn’s lead late in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, Elijah Melendez delivered a standout performance with nine tackles, including a sack, and an interception.
His contributions helped Auburn contain Georgia’s offense during critical stretches of the game.
Historic Victory Ends Auburn’s Athens Drought
Saturday’s victory carried historical significance for the Auburn football program.
The Tigers had not won in Athens since 2005, making the result their first road victory against Georgia in more than two decades.
The win also marked just the second time Auburn has defeated a No. 1-ranked opponent on the road.
The previous occurrence came in 1994, when the Tigers defeated top-ranked Florida, 36-33.
With the victory, Auburn improved to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in Southeastern Conference play.
The Tigers will attempt to build on their momentum when they return home to face LSU on Saturday.
Auburn Earns Fourth FWAA National Team of the Week Honor
The Football Writers Association of America recognized Auburn’s performance as the most impressive team accomplishment of the weekend.
The Tigers’ fourth National Team of the Week selection places this victory alongside some of the program’s most memorable performances.
Auburn previously received the honor in 2017 after defeating No. 1 Georgia by a score of 40-17.
The October 19 announcement represents the 332nd National Team of the Week selection during the award’s 25 seasons.
The FWAA has presented the weekly recognition since 2002, with candidates evaluated by its All-America Committee.
As part of the recognition, Auburn will receive an assortment of Pop-Tarts and a custom-crafted game ball from Big Game USA, a Dallas-based manufacturer of American-made footballs.
The announcement will also be featured on CBS Sports’ Cover 3 Podcast, hosted by Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Danny Kanell and Bud Elliott.
What the Victory Means for Auburn
Auburn’s win over Georgia represents an important moment for a program looking to establish itself as a serious competitor in the SEC.
Defeating the nation’s top-ranked team on the road provides a significant boost in confidence and momentum as the Tigers enter the next phase of their conference schedule.
The victory also highlights Auburn’s ability to respond under pressure, particularly after surrendering an early lead and facing a late Georgia comeback.
With LSU next on the schedule, Auburn will have another opportunity to demonstrate that its performance against Georgia was more than a single upset.
For now, the Tigers can celebrate a historic road victory, a last-second winning kick and national recognition from the Football Writers Association of America.
Game Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Auburn 27, No. 1 Georgia 24 |
| Date | October 17, 2026 |
| Location | Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia |
| Winning Play | Alex McPherson, 34-yard field goal |
| Auburn Quarterback | Byrum Brown |
| Passing Yards | 150 |
| Rushing Yards | 115 |
| Defensive Standout | Elijah Melendez — 9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception |
| Auburn Record | 4-2 (2-2 SEC) |
| Next Opponent | LSU |
| Award | FWAA Pop-Tarts Bowl Crazy Good Team of the Week |
About the Football Writers Association of America
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America represents approximately 1,200 journalists, broadcasters, publicists and executives involved in college football coverage.
The organization recognizes outstanding achievements across the sport through its All-America teams, national awards and weekly honors.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl Crazy Good Team of the Week is selected by the FWAA All-America Committee and recognizes exceptional performances during the college football season.
For additional information, visit the Football Writers Association of America or Florida Citrus Sports.
Source: Football Writers Association of America, October 19, 2026.
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