The player that got away — Cam Newton — led Auburn to victory in the game that got away from Mississippi State.
The Bulldogs came up three points shy in a 14-17 loss to the Tigers on a nationally-televised Thursday night game on ESPN.
Late in the 4th quarter and down by three, the Dawgs were into Auburn territory and nearly in position to take the lead with a touchdown or tie the game with a field goal. However, a couple misfires from Chris Relf and a dropped pass by Leon Berry led to MSU turning the ball over on downs. Auburn quarterback Cam Newton took a knee on the final play of the game to run out the clock and seal the victory for the Tigers.
Newton rushed the ball 18 times for 96 yards and completed 11 of 19 passes for 136 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Relf played the majority of the game at quarterback for MSU, but only completed 12 of 25 passes for 110 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
The Bulldogs’ two scores came on a one-yard touchdown run by junior Vick Ballard and on a fumble recovery in the end zone by offensive lineman Gabe Jackson.