Jordan's Review: Auburn's defense carries the load in win over Vanderbilt

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Jordan's Review: Auburn's defense carries the load in win over Vanderbilt

Jordan's Review: Auburn's defense carries the load in win over Vanderbilt

Phillip Jordan, Auburn Wire · Auburn Wire

Sun, Sep 27, 2026 ·

3 min read

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The Auburn defense was a huge talking point this past week after their loss to the Florida Gators in week three. In week four, the Tigers' defense stepped up in the 21-15 win over Vanderbilt , the first SEC home victory for Auburn since 2024.

The Tigers gave up 311 yards on Saturday versus Vanderbilt after giving up 495 yards against Florida in week three. Auburn put a defense on the field that resembled more of the one in 2025. Last season, the Tigers gave up big yards but not a lot of points. It appeared that on Saturday the defense gave up some yards, but they kept Vanderbilt out of the red zone.

The Auburn run defense limited Vanderbilt to 112 yards on 41 carries with an average of 2.7 yards per attempt. Last week against the Gators, Auburn was giving up 5.5 yards per attempt. Leading the way in the game was Xavier Atkins with eight tackles and three tackles for loss. Atkins also had a sack in the game.

However, there is still room for improvement on defense.

The Tigers still had issues getting off the field. They were good on third down, forcing Vanderbilt to go 4-of-17, but on fourth down the Commodores were 4-of-5. Auburn's third-down success on Saturday is a testament to the corrections made in practice after allowing Florida to convert seven opportunities in Week 3, four of which were in long situations, says defensive lineman Cody Sigler.

"I feel like third and long was a big key for us this week because last week, I mean, there were so many third downs that we were just shooting ourselves in the foot," Sigler said postgame. "This week we really executed, and we're being urgent, and trying to finish them. Third downs are where you get paid."

Auburn started the third quarter up 14-3 but allowed Vanderbilt to open the second half with points. They would narrow the margin to 14-9 due to a 14-play, 75-yard drive that took 7:53 off the clock. The possession ended with Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander scoring on a three-yard run to make it 14-9. Vanderbilt would go for a two-point attempt but was unsuccessful. There were several conversions on that drive, and this Auburn defense needs to get better at getting off the field with what the Tigers have coming up on the schedule.

For the offense, it was a mixed result once again. Auburn did do some good things offensively, but it seems they could have had more success and won by a larger margin. Byrum Brown was solid, 18 of 27 for 140 yards and one touchdown. He once again had an interception in the game. Brown rushed for 57 yards on 10 carries and scored one touchdown. However, Auburn struggled again to get the running backs going. Jeremiah Cobb is yet to have a big game this season despite having the first-down carry late that sealed the victory. Auburn as a team rushed for 139 yards in the game.

The win over Vanderbilt was a much-needed victory for head coach Alex Golesh and Auburn. They needed positive momentum heading into a very tough few weeks that include road trips to Tennessee and Georgia. This team will need to continue to improve each week to snap the Tigers' streak of consecutive losing seasons.

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Photos: Auburn's 21-15 win versus Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) is called for a defensive pass interference call on Auburn Tigers tight end Arlis Boardingham (82) as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.

(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Jared Curtis (2) hikes the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs in for a touchdown as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers defensive back Cade Carlson (55) celebrates his touchdown as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Vanderbilt Commodores 14-3 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers running back Omar Mabson II (29) and Auburn Tigers safety Jacoby Mathews (20) block a punt attempt from Vanderbilt Commodores punter Tyler Ebel (37) as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Vanderbilt Commodores 14-3 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Vanderbilt Commodores 14-3 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Sep 26, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers tight end Arlis Boardingham (82) is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores defensive lineman Nick Rinaldi (24) during the second half Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Auburn Tigers wide receiver Chas Nimrod (5) cuts up field after a catch as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) rolls out of the pocket as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Vanderbilt Commodores 14-3 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Vanderbilt Commodores kicker Brock Taylor (88) misses a field goal as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Vanderbilt Commodores 14-3 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Sep 26, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Cade Carlson (55) and defensive back Shadrick Toodle Jr. (28) close in on Vanderbilt Commodores punter Tyler Ebel (37) during a fake punt during the second half Jordan-Hare Stadium. The kick was good. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Auburn Tigers defensive back Cade Carlson (55) scoops a block punt and runs it back for a touchdown as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Vanderbilt Commodores 14-3 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Sep 26, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores defensive lineman Hayden Bray (97) closes in on Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) during the second half Jordan-Hare Stadium. The kick was good. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) looks for a receiver during the first quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Eric Winters (5) chases down Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) turns up field after a catch as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Vanderbilt Commodores 14-3 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Vanderbilt Commodores 14-3 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Jared Curtis (2) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Vanderbilt Commodores 14-3 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Sep 26, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers lineman Cody Sigler (94) signals first down after the Tigers converted a fourth & short during the fourth quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Jared Curtis (2) breaks loose for a run against the Auburn Tigers during the second half Jordan-Hare Stadium. The kick was good. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) runs for a first down as Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Martel Hight (4) goes for the tackle during the fourth quarter Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh celebrates with fans as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh and Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Clark Lea shake hands after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) and linebacker Demarcus Riddick (6) celebrates with fans after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator DJ Durkin hugs safety Champ Anthony (1) after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs off the field after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) celebrates with fans after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers wide receiver Jeremiah Koger (4) celebrates a first down as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn bald eagle Independence flies as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 21-15.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Sep 26, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) attempts a field goal during the thirds quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The kick was good. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Jordan's Review: Auburn's defense carries the load in win over Vanderbilt

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