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New Mexico State goes into Auburn, pulls off stunning upset

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•11/18/23•

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Hugh Freeze walks the sidelines during Auburn's game against Cal on September 9, 2023. (Photo by Auburn Athletics)

SEC cupcake Saturday is no longer just automatic wins, with a stunning upset occurring on the Plains. Auburn paid New Mexico State a nice chunk of change ($1.85 million) to come play on Saturday but will be the ones heading back home with a 31-10 loss. A huge win for Jerry Kill‘s program, their first-ever one against a Power Five program.

New Mexico State was able to pull off the upset exactly how any 23.5-point underdog would want to. They controlled the clock by moving the ball well and made the most of their opportunities. A few risks were sprinkled in there as well, especially on the final touchdown drive of the fourth quarter.

Up just 10, the Aggies called for a fake punt and converted on 4th and 2. Later in the drive, facing a fourth and goal, the decision to go for it wound up being a good one. Diego Pavia connected with Eli Stowers in the corner of the end zone to expand the lead to three scores.

Auburn did not have the best day on offense, finishing with 213 yards. After stacking up a few special weeks, Jarquez Hunter was not able to get things going. Hugh Freeze only called his star running back’s number eight times, rushing for 27 yards.

With the win, the party is just getting started for New Mexico State. Their season is far from over after improving to 9-3 on the season. One more regular season game remains against Jacksonville State before competing in the Conference USA Championship game vs. Liberty.

Auburn now heads into Iron Bowl clash vs. Alabama

Auburn had a difficult task ahead of them just a couple of days past Thanksgiving with Alabama coming to town for the Iron Bowl. Freeze will probably need to have his players dig a little bit deeper following the New Mexico State loss.

Thankfully, the question of making a bowl game is not there for Auburn. No matter what happens against Alabama, they will have a postseason game to play in. Freeze will likely be thankful for all of the extra practices, hoping his players can gain valuable experience.

But as tough as this loss is, Auburn can immediately get back on the right track by winning in front of what should be a ruckus Jordan-Hare Stadium crowd. After all, nothing matters more in the state than finding a way to win the Iron Bowl.