Tigers of the Game from Auburn's SEC loss to Tennessee
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Tigers of the Game from Auburn's SEC loss to Tennessee
Taylor Jones, Auburn Wire·Auburn Wire
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2 min read
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Auburnfootball had its chances on Saturday, but it did not slow down No. 17 Tennessee enough to escape Knoxville with an SEC win.
Auburn led Tennessee 7-3 at halftime and went on to outgain theVolunteersin the second half, 259-198, but costly Auburn turnovers and penalties, as well as a shift in game plan by Tennessee, became the deciding factor. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel elected to switch quarterbacks late in the first half, which provided a jolt to the Tennessee offense, and running back Desean Bishop turned on the jets by rushing for 150 of his 220 yards in the final 30 minutesto lead the Vols to a 24-14 winin Neyland Stadium.
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Despite the tough loss, several players stood tall and performed at a high level, which kept Auburn in the game. Here are the Tigers of the Game from Auburn football's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on Saturday.
Taylor Jones: Byrum Brown
Brown did not have his best game, but despite committing three turnovers, he still put the team on his back by producing 266 of Auburn's 345 offensive yards and scoring both of Auburn's touchdowns. Brown passed for 159 yards and rushed for 107, which marks the first time this season he has reached double digits in both categories.
Phillip Jordan: Xavier Atkins
It was a typical day at the office for Xavier Atkins, who led the team with 11 tackles on Saturday. He also set Auburn up for its first score of the game by picking off Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon in the second quarter, leading to Byrum Brown rumbling and stumbling seven yards to the end zone to push Auburn ahead, 7-3.
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Jac Myrick: Elijah Melendez
Arguably the most consistent player on Auburn's defense is linebacker Elijah Melendez, and he proved it again on Saturday. Melendez finished second on the team in tackles (9) and tackles for loss (2). Melendez is up to 43 total tackles this season and has logged nine tackles in three of Auburn's five games.
Fan vote: Xavier Atkins
Auburn fans have spoken, and they have chosen Xavier Atkins as the Tiger of the Game in Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on Saturday. Atkins won 67% of the vote, beating out Elijah Melendez, Byrum Brown, and Da'Shawn Womack for the honor. To have a say in who wins Tiger of the Game next,head over to Auburn Wire on Xto cast your vote following every Auburn football game.
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel and Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh speak before the game at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) scrambles with the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Omar Mabson II (29) rushes the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) carries the ball while pressed by Auburn edges Da'Shawn Womack (15) and Jared Smith (41) during a college football game on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) is tackled by Auburn edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) during a college football game on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn football coach Alex Golesh during the college football game against Tennessee and Auburn on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) carries the ball as Auburn edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) during a college football game on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn quarterback Will Myers (11) catches the ball during a college football game between Tennessee and Auburn at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) is pushed out of bounds by Tennessee defensive back Kayin Lee (14) in the end zone during a college football game between Tennessee and Auburn at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Tennessee linebacker Amare Campbell (0) chases after Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during a college football game between Tennessee and Auburn at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn punter Hudson Kaak (14) punts the ball during a college football game between Tennessee and Auburn at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins (17) reacts after an interception against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) dives for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Tennessee running back Daune Morris (17) is tackled by Auburn safety Eric Winters (5) during a game between Tennessee and Auburn in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 3, 2026.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Tennessee defensive lineman Tyree Weathersby (18) is tackled by Auburn linebacker Elijah Melendez (9) during a game between Tennessee and Auburn in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 3, 2026.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Tennessee defensive lineman Ethan Utley (17) celebrates a turnover during a game between Tennessee and Auburn in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 3, 2026.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn coach Alex Golesh yells to an official during a game between Tennessee and Auburn in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 3, 2026.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown (17) is taken down by Tennessee defensive back Ty Redmond (4) during a college football game on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel and Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh speak before the game at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel and Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh speak before the game at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) scrambles with the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Omar Mabson II (29) rushes the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) carries the ball while pressed by Auburn edges Da'Shawn Womack (15) and Jared Smith (41) during a college football game on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) is tackled by Auburn edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) during a college football game on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
6/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Auburn football coach Alex Golesh during the college football game against Tennessee and Auburn on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
7/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) carries the ball as Auburn edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) during a college football game on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Auburn quarterback Will Myers (11) catches the ball during a college football game between Tennessee and Auburn at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Auburn wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) is pushed out of bounds by Tennessee defensive back Kayin Lee (14) in the end zone during a college football game between Tennessee and Auburn at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Tennessee linebacker Amare Campbell (0) chases after Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during a college football game between Tennessee and Auburn at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
11/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Auburn punter Hudson Kaak (14) punts the ball during a college football game between Tennessee and Auburn at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
12/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins (17) reacts after an interception against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Oct 3, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) dives for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Tennessee running back Daune Morris (17) is tackled by Auburn safety Eric Winters (5) during a game between Tennessee and Auburn in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 3, 2026.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
15/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Tennessee defensive lineman Tyree Weathersby (18) is tackled by Auburn linebacker Elijah Melendez (9) during a game between Tennessee and Auburn in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 3, 2026.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
16/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Tennessee defensive lineman Ethan Utley (17) celebrates a turnover during a game between Tennessee and Auburn in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 3, 2026.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Auburn coach Alex Golesh yells to an official during a game between Tennessee and Auburn in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 3, 2026.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18/18
Photos: Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee on the road
Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown (17) is taken down by Tennessee defensive back Ty Redmond (4) during a college football game on Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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