Birmingham - Auburn's Birmingham Bowl appearance was a chance to win in front of a pseudo-home crowd and end a four-game losing streak, bringing momentum into the off-season.
Instead, 2021 ends in a more bitter defeat.
Auburn rallied from 10 points down, but lost 17-13 on a late touchdown against No. 21 Houston on Tuesday. Brian Horsin's first season as Auburn coach ended 6–7 when the Tigers were ranked in the top 15. It is the program's first losing season since 2012.
Harsin's play-calling had personnel in mind, until the end
With Horsin calling plays for the first time, Auburn was hesitant to run between tackles—a product of a decreased offensive line, which featured a backup center and perfect tackle. At red-zone third and -2 in the first half, Tank Bigsby was filled in the middle from behind. A third and a quarterback sneaking into the third quarter went nowhere. Horsin adjusted and called out more plays.
He still wanted to find ways to get the ball to his best play-maker, Bigsby, after just eight carries to run back in the first half. The sophomore was used as a receiver more than ever before (five catches, 68 yards).
With Auburn trailing 10-3 in a tone-setting third in the second half, a smart screen pass gave Bigsby 51 yards open to run. He had another welcome for 12 for the next play. Its outer area has increased. This forced Houston's defense to stretch and make more holes in the middle.
By the game's final moments, Horsin seemed attuned to Auburn's strengths and weaknesses in his play-calling. Auburn trailed 17-13 with third and 2. This was the last chance for Tiger. He threw unfinished twice. No touch for Bigsby.
By the game's final moments, Horsin seemed attuned to Auburn's strengths and weaknesses in his play-calling. Auburn trailed 17-13 with third and 2. This was the last chance for Tiger. He threw unfinished twice. No touch for Bigsby.
Auburn's secondary depth tested
All-America senior cornerback Roger McCreery opted out of the bowl game. Senior Smoke Monday was knocked out for targeting in the third quarter, ending his Auburn career. Cornerback position futures Jaylin Simpson and Nehemiah Pritchett were left to stay away from Houston star receiver Nathaniel Dale until Simpson was also ejected for targeting in the fourth quarter.
Auburn's secondary depth extended beyond its limits. On Houston's opening touchdown drive, quarterback Clayton Tune converted third and -12, fourth and -1 and third and -5. The receivers were left open in the middle of the field. The Tigers later hardened and did not allow Houston to continue hitting them the same way. But the Cougars' touchdown ended the game. The game-winner was a 26-yard pass with 3:27 to spare and senior walk-on Devin Guice fell behind in coverage.
Roe Torrence stepped up with a near breakup and a forced fumble, an encouraging sign for the secondary's future, but Auburn was exposed on the deciding drive. Tune finished 26-for 40 with 283 passing yards to go with 43 rushing yards and was voted the game's Most Valuable Player.
It is a reminder that there is work to be done next year at Auburn Secondary.
A captain's send-off
Chandler Wooten was the quintessential leader for Auburn this season when he returned to the team after being dropped in 2020 following the birth of his son. Wooten was named permanent team captain by the new coaching staff, and began most of the season with Owen Pappo injured. Without Jacoby McClain at Birmingham, he was the standout defender as Auburn tried to defend his lead. In the fourth quarter, he tackled a crucial fourth and eight stops. He then took an impressive catch for a deflected interception.
Fitting end to year of the tight end
Senior John Samuel Schenker was anointed an honorary captain for the game, breaking Auburn single-season records for receptions (33) and receiving yards (413) by a tight end. The latter took a 41-yard catch from over the middle.
It's unclear whether Auburn senior will return for an extra year of eligibility, but Schenker's five-catch, 54-yard performance was a fitting way to end the 2021 season. One of the defining features of Horsin's first year was the increased tight end use in pass games.