Auburn overcomes Mizzou to win SEC

Rob Saye

The 2012 SEC Championship game was memorable because the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide went back-and-forth until the very end.

The 2013 SEC title game was also memorable, but it was because it was almost like watching a simulated game of NCAA Football 14. The Auburn Tigers rushed for 545 yards to take down the Missouri Tigers 59-42 at the Georgia Dome on Saturday. It was the second SEC title for Auburn in the last four years.

Tre Mason was the key player for Auburn as he rushed for 303 yards and four touchdowns on 45 carries. Two of his touchdown runs came in the second quarter and the other two came in the fourth quarter when Auburn was able to pull away from Missouri.

Mason broke five SEC Championship records including most rushing yards, most rushing attempts, most yards from scrimmage, most all-purpose yards and most touchdowns.

Auburn was able to run against a Missouri team that has been one of the best in the conference when it comes to run defense. The Tigers were second in the conference and the most yards they have given up all season was last week against Texas A&M when they gave up 184 yards.

Mason had 195 yards after the first half and was six yards away from a SEC Championship record.

Nick Marshall also had a strong performance for Auburn. After the two fumbles early in the contest, one was returned for a touchdown by Missouri, Marshall tallied 101 rushing yards, 132 passing yards and two scores.

As for Missouri, James Franklin led the attack as he threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target was Dorial Green-Beckham, who hauled in six passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Missouri finished with 534 yards of total offense.

There were seven lead changes and Missouri was able to cut the lead to three with nine seconds left in the third quarter when Franklin scored on a five-yard run. But Auburn was able to dominate the last quarter thanks to Mason two scores.

With the win, Auburn finishes with a 12-1 record and will likely play in the BCS title game against Florida State which defeated Duke 45-7 in the ACC title game on Saturday night. Auburn was ranked No. 3 in the BCS on Saturday, but No. 2 Ohio State lost to Michigan State 34-24 in the Big Ten title game.

Missouri finishes with a 11-2 record and will likely play in a New Year’s Day Bowl.

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