Baylor had a chance to force overtime against Auburn on Saturday. But Dave Aranda wanted the win instead.
The gamble didn’t pay off, as Baylor’s two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds came up short, allowing Auburn to escape with a 17-16 win in Atlanta.
Baylor entered the fourth quarter trailing 10-7 before a field goal tied the game at 10. Auburn responded with a late touchdown to regain a 17-10 advantage, setting up Baylor’s final opportunity.
The Bears drove down the field and found the end zone in the closing seconds to pull within 17-16, after DJ Lagway connected with Gavin Freeman on a 6-yard touchdown. Rather than kick the extra point and take their chances in overtime, Aranda kept his offense on the field for a two-point conversion and the win.
Baylor couldn’t convert, as Lagway’s pass was caught by tight end Matthew Klopfenstein, but he was tackled at the goal line just short by Eric Winters, bringing a dramatic season opener to a crushing end.
The loss will sting even more considering the opportunities Baylor had throughout the afternoon.
Baylor vs. Auburn Recap
The Bears’ defense did its part, holding an Auburn offense that ran for more than 300 yards against Baylor in last season’s matchup to a much more manageable performance on Saturday. Baylor also intercepted Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown twice in the first half, including once deep in Bears territory.
But Baylor’s offense had its own issues. Quarterback DJ Lagway injured his right ankle and the Bears struggled to establish the running game, and Baylor turned the ball over twice while also coming up empty on a fourth-down opportunity inside the Auburn 20 during the third quarter.
Ultimately, though, this game will be remembered for Aranda’s decision in the final seconds.
There’s certainly an argument for being aggressive. Baylor was in Atlanta against an SEC opponent and had a chance to end the game with one successful play.
Aranda took his shot.
It didn’t work.
The Bears now begin the 2026 season 0-1 after losing to Auburn for a second consecutive year. Last season, the Tigers went into Waco and beat Baylor 38-24 behind 307 rushing yards.
This year’s loss was much closer, and potentially much more painful. Aranda entered the season on the hot seat, but Saturday’s loss, if it gives his team a confidence boost, could be a sign of things to come. But if the “what if” leaves this team looking in the rearview mirror, the season could unravel quickly.
Baylor is back home in Week 2 to take on Prairie View A&M on Saturday, September 7th, with a 7:00 p.m. kick off.
