Washington State vs Auburn Results: Cougars Come Up Short In Auburn 31-24

Aug 31, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Corey Grant (20) runs the ball for a touchdown as Washington State Cougars safety Deone Bucannon (20) trails behind at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington State Cougars had not one, but two golden opportunities to tie the ballgame up in the final 5:00, but an interception in the endzone and then a 4th down overthrow sent the Auburn Tigers to victory.

Washington State thoroughly dominated time of possession in the first half but found itself trailing 25-21 at the break thanks to a 100 yard kickoff return by Tre Mason and a Cory Grant 75 yard touchdown run. Each came directly after Washington State had scored a touchdown to take the lead.

The second half saw Auburn gain back some T.O.P., but they couldn’t cash in on several opportunities themselves with wide open receivers. The Tigers thwarted a 1st and goal try-for-tie with an interception in the corner of the endzone at around the 5:00 mark, but then fumbled it back around midfield to give the Cougars new life. After one 4th down conversion, Halliday floated a pass too high for Dominique Williams inside the 20 and Auburn picked up a first down to run out the clock.

WSU gained 464 yards to Auburns 396, but three Halliday interceptions were the difference.

Auburn stays home to face Arkansas State next week, while Washington State heads to L.A. to take on the USC Trojans in the first conference battle of the season for both teams.