Auburn Overcomes Rust, Poor Officiating To Beat Nebraska In The Cotton Bowl

It won't be a game that shows up on ESPN Classic anytime soon, but Auburn fans are all smiles tonight after a 17-14 win over Nebraska. Auburn shook off some first half rust and overcame the worst officiating of the bowl season to squeak out a win on a cold day at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

The win gives the Tigers their second 11+ win season in the last three years and all but guarantees a finish in the top 10. "That was typical Auburn, win and win ugly," said Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville. "That's how this team has done it all year. They scrap and claw."

Call it what you will coach, but it was mighty satisfying. How fitting that the game was won on big plays made by Auburn seniors. Karibi Dede's interception in the first half was the game changer. And how about Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP Courtney Taylor? Needing four catches to become Auburn's career receiving leader, Taylor finished the game with 6 catches for 70 yards. He ends his career with 153 catches, two more than previous record holder Karsten Bailey.

Fittingly, kicker John Vaughn was the difference maker, kicking a 42 yard field goal midway through the third quarter that represented the only points scored in the second half.

Kudos to defensive coordinator Will Muschamp who revamped his defense in the second half and shut down the Cornhusker offense. The Cornhuskers had four third-down conversions on the opening drive, and only one more the rest of the game. They had only 63 total yards after halftime.

The only shadow cast over the game was the officiating by the Big 10 crew. It was without question the worst called game Auburn has been in all year. In what could have meant the difference in the game, the officials refused to review an obvious touchdown catch by senior receiver Lee Guess. Auburn was also called for more than one phantom holding call. It was very apparent this crew was anti-Auburn.

With the win, Auburn finishes the season 11-2 and is the only team in the country to beat two BCS teams, LSU and Florida. The Tigers senior class runs their victory total to 41. That's absolutely amazing. It's truly great to be an Auburn Tiger. Happy New Year!