SEC Championship Games Great as Expected

The SEC Championship Game of 2013, A.K.A. the “Tiger Bowl” between the Missouri Tigers and Auburn Tigers has been as great as advertised. The line on this game game was tight all week and finally ended with Mizzou being favored by 1.5 just before kickoff. The first half of the game was a shootout, with neither team able to stop the others offense. Missouri got it done via the air with James Franklin hooking up with Doriel Green-Beckham twice for touchdowns in the first half, although one of them should have been reviewed as it appeared the ball came loose as he hit the turf in the back of the end zone.

Auburn got their offense going on the ground, gouging the tough Missouri defense time and again on their option running attack. Tre Mason rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns…in the first half! Quarterback Nick Marshall added a touchdown run and a touchdown pass as well.  If not for Auburn fumbling the ball, the game could have been a blowout.

But the opportunistic Missouri defense caused two Auburn turnovers in the first half, one which was returned for a touchdown to put the Blacks and Gold Tigers ahead 17-14.

Franklin hooked up with Green-Beckham on a second TD play with 18 seconds to play in the half to cut the Auburn lead to 28-27 after Auburn bounced back from the turnover to take at 28-20 lead.

The second half, Auburn finally wore down the Missouri resolve and took control late. Mizzou never could stop the Auburn running attack and for the first time all season looked like a team that hasn’t quite gotten up to SEC speed. They have been tough on defense all year but the Auburn ground game just ran them over. When the Tigers (Mizzou) were in position, they still couldn’t make the tackle. Mason ended the game with 295 yards and scored the dagger to make it 59-42 with about 4:00 to go breaking several tackles on his way to the end zone.

Whether Ohio State beats Michigan State later tonight remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure…if the four team playoff was this year, Auburn would be a tough team to bet against right now. If the Tigers find their way to the BCS Championship game, watch out.The SEC could very well be looking at eight in a row.