![Auburn had been snake-bitten much of this season, leading opponents throughout games, but losing at the end.The Tigers f...](https://img3.medioq.com/684/081/1084153726840819.jpg)
11/28/2024
Auburn had been snake-bitten much of this season, leading opponents throughout games, but losing at the end.
The Tigers faced that probability again against Texas A&M on Saturday night, but senior quarterback Payton Thorne took charge at the start of game and at the end to keep that from happening. He led Auburn to a 21-0 lead midway through the second quarter. Then in the dying minutes of the game with the Aggies holding a three-point lead, he led the Tigers on a 15-play do-or-die drive to tie the game on a field goal with just five seconds remaining, forcing overtime.
After three overtimes, the score was still tied when KeAndre Lambert-Smith caught a pass from Thorne across the middle of the end zone providing the two points needed for the 43-41 win.
For the game, Thorne threw for 301 yards and with two touchdown passes, ran for another 38 yards, led the final 15-play scoring drive and completed the game-winning overtime pass.
For his performance, Payton Thorne has been recognized as winner of the Academy Sports Award, Player of the Week.