Today in Auburn History
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Exploring Auburn's unique history one moment at a time.
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@clintau24
Managed by
@clintau24
2014 - Following a magical season, Auburn headed to Pasadena to face Florida State in the Rose Bowl for the BCS National Championship.
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January 6, 2026 at 2:42 PM
2014 - Following a magical season, Auburn headed to Pasadena to face Florida State in the Rose Bowl for the BCS National Championship.
#WarEagle
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1951 - Auburn would face a ranked opponent for the first time in program history.
The Tigers would face the #3 ranked Kentucky Wildcats who were coming off their first loss of the season to Saint Louis. UK would roll 79-35.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
The Tigers would face the #3 ranked Kentucky Wildcats who were coming off their first loss of the season to Saint Louis. UK would roll 79-35.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
January 5, 2026 at 2:45 PM
1951 - Auburn would face a ranked opponent for the first time in program history.
The Tigers would face the #3 ranked Kentucky Wildcats who were coming off their first loss of the season to Saint Louis. UK would roll 79-35.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
The Tigers would face the #3 ranked Kentucky Wildcats who were coming off their first loss of the season to Saint Louis. UK would roll 79-35.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
1935 - Auburn travels to Lanett, Alabama to face the Lanett Athletic Club for the one and only meeting on the hardwood.
Auburn led at half 15-8 and finished with the 44-25 victory.
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Auburn led at half 15-8 and finished with the 44-25 victory.
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January 5, 2026 at 2:41 PM
1935 - Auburn travels to Lanett, Alabama to face the Lanett Athletic Club for the one and only meeting on the hardwood.
Auburn led at half 15-8 and finished with the 44-25 victory.
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Auburn led at half 15-8 and finished with the 44-25 victory.
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1964 - Harold Franklin becomes the first African-American student at Auburn University.
Franklin was not allowed to defend his thesis until February 2020 to earn his master's degree. Auburn awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2001.
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Franklin was not allowed to defend his thesis until February 2020 to earn his master's degree. Auburn awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2001.
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January 4, 2026 at 2:46 PM
1964 - Harold Franklin becomes the first African-American student at Auburn University.
Franklin was not allowed to defend his thesis until February 2020 to earn his master's degree. Auburn awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2001.
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Franklin was not allowed to defend his thesis until February 2020 to earn his master's degree. Auburn awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2001.
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1959 - Auburn shot 54% from the field and held Mississippi State to 26% overall as the Tigers rolled 97-66.
Auburn's Jimmy Lee led the way with 18 points
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Auburn's Jimmy Lee led the way with 18 points
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January 3, 2026 at 2:42 PM
1959 - Auburn shot 54% from the field and held Mississippi State to 26% overall as the Tigers rolled 97-66.
Auburn's Jimmy Lee led the way with 18 points
#WarEagle
Auburn's Jimmy Lee led the way with 18 points
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1940 - Auburn's earliest game on this date featured Shug Jordan's Auburn Tigers against Spring Hill from Mobile.
Auburn won the season opening game 35-30.
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Auburn won the season opening game 35-30.
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January 3, 2026 at 2:42 PM
1940 - Auburn's earliest game on this date featured Shug Jordan's Auburn Tigers against Spring Hill from Mobile.
Auburn won the season opening game 35-30.
#WarEagle
Auburn won the season opening game 35-30.
#WarEagle
2005 - Three John Vaughn FGs gave #3 Auburn the 9-0 halftime lead over #9 Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.
Auburn would win 16-13 following two 4th quarter VT touchdowns.
Auburn finished the year 13-0, the first undefeated season since 1993.
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Auburn would win 16-13 following two 4th quarter VT touchdowns.
Auburn finished the year 13-0, the first undefeated season since 1993.
#WarEagle
January 3, 2026 at 2:40 PM
2005 - Three John Vaughn FGs gave #3 Auburn the 9-0 halftime lead over #9 Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.
Auburn would win 16-13 following two 4th quarter VT touchdowns.
Auburn finished the year 13-0, the first undefeated season since 1993.
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Auburn would win 16-13 following two 4th quarter VT touchdowns.
Auburn finished the year 13-0, the first undefeated season since 1993.
#WarEagle
1878 – Spright Dowell is born.
Dowell would serve as the seventh president of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) from 1920 until 1927.
He would then move on to become the president of Mercer University from 1928 until 1953.
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Dowell would serve as the seventh president of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) from 1920 until 1927.
He would then move on to become the president of Mercer University from 1928 until 1953.
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January 2, 2026 at 2:57 PM
1878 – Spright Dowell is born.
Dowell would serve as the seventh president of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) from 1920 until 1927.
He would then move on to become the president of Mercer University from 1928 until 1953.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
Dowell would serve as the seventh president of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) from 1920 until 1927.
He would then move on to become the president of Mercer University from 1928 until 1953.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
2018 - Auburn MBB defeated #23 Tennessee 94-84 for Bruce Pearl's first victory in Knoxville since being the Vols' coach.
Auburn earned their 13th straight victory and their first road win over a ranked opponent since 2007.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
Auburn earned their 13th straight victory and their first road win over a ranked opponent since 2007.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
January 2, 2026 at 2:51 PM
2018 - Auburn MBB defeated #23 Tennessee 94-84 for Bruce Pearl's first victory in Knoxville since being the Vols' coach.
Auburn earned their 13th straight victory and their first road win over a ranked opponent since 2007.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
Auburn earned their 13th straight victory and their first road win over a ranked opponent since 2007.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
1984 - In the 50th Sugar Bowl, #3 Auburn defeated #8 Michigan 9-7 on the heels of a 19-yard Al Del Greco field goal, the final of his career.
The Tigers were jumped by Miami and were not named national champions despite an 11-1 record.
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The Tigers were jumped by Miami and were not named national champions despite an 11-1 record.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
January 2, 2026 at 2:45 PM
1984 - In the 50th Sugar Bowl, #3 Auburn defeated #8 Michigan 9-7 on the heels of a 19-yard Al Del Greco field goal, the final of his career.
The Tigers were jumped by Miami and were not named national champions despite an 11-1 record.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
The Tigers were jumped by Miami and were not named national champions despite an 11-1 record.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
1998 - Down 17-6 due in part to three blocked punts, #13 Auburn scored 15 4th quarter points to top Clemson 21-17.
Takeo Spikes made a key interception that set up Auburn's field goal, sealing the victory.
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Takeo Spikes made a key interception that set up Auburn's field goal, sealing the victory.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
January 2, 2026 at 2:41 PM
1998 - Down 17-6 due in part to three blocked punts, #13 Auburn scored 15 4th quarter points to top Clemson 21-17.
Takeo Spikes made a key interception that set up Auburn's field goal, sealing the victory.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
Takeo Spikes made a key interception that set up Auburn's field goal, sealing the victory.
#WarEagle #AUHistory
1971 - Despite being conference foes, Auburn and Ole Miss would face off in the Gator Bowl, pitting Pat Sullivan against Archie Manning.
Without either head coach (Shug an appendectomy, Vaught a heart attack), Auburn would go on to win 35-28.
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Without either head coach (Shug an appendectomy, Vaught a heart attack), Auburn would go on to win 35-28.
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January 1, 2026 at 2:59 PM
1971 - Despite being conference foes, Auburn and Ole Miss would face off in the Gator Bowl, pitting Pat Sullivan against Archie Manning.
Without either head coach (Shug an appendectomy, Vaught a heart attack), Auburn would go on to win 35-28.
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Without either head coach (Shug an appendectomy, Vaught a heart attack), Auburn would go on to win 35-28.
#WarEagle
1987 - #10 Auburn defeats USC 16-7 in the Citrus Bowl.
Jeff Burger threw a pick-6 in the first quarter. Brent Fullwood rushed for 152 yards and Aundray Bruce grabbed 3 sacks on the day.
Auburn won their 500th overall game with this victory.
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Jeff Burger threw a pick-6 in the first quarter. Brent Fullwood rushed for 152 yards and Aundray Bruce grabbed 3 sacks on the day.
Auburn won their 500th overall game with this victory.
#WarEagle
January 1, 2026 at 2:57 PM
1987 - #10 Auburn defeats USC 16-7 in the Citrus Bowl.
Jeff Burger threw a pick-6 in the first quarter. Brent Fullwood rushed for 152 yards and Aundray Bruce grabbed 3 sacks on the day.
Auburn won their 500th overall game with this victory.
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Jeff Burger threw a pick-6 in the first quarter. Brent Fullwood rushed for 152 yards and Aundray Bruce grabbed 3 sacks on the day.
Auburn won their 500th overall game with this victory.
#WarEagle
1988 - Win Lyle's late field goal resulted in a 16-16 tie versus Syracuse. Pat Dye's decision drew criticism, and also neck ties from Orange fans.
Dye received about 2,000 ties, autographed them, and sold them for $100 for scholarship funds.
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Dye received about 2,000 ties, autographed them, and sold them for $100 for scholarship funds.
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January 1, 2026 at 2:53 PM
1988 - Win Lyle's late field goal resulted in a 16-16 tie versus Syracuse. Pat Dye's decision drew criticism, and also neck ties from Orange fans.
Dye received about 2,000 ties, autographed them, and sold them for $100 for scholarship funds.
#WarEagle
Dye received about 2,000 ties, autographed them, and sold them for $100 for scholarship funds.
#WarEagle
2003 - Ronnie Brown ran 37 times for 184 yards as #20 Auburn defeated #10 Penn State.
Auburn struggled in the game, trailing 6-0 at half, committing two turnovers & 74 yards worth of penalties, and having Damon Duval's field goal blocked.
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Auburn struggled in the game, trailing 6-0 at half, committing two turnovers & 74 yards worth of penalties, and having Damon Duval's field goal blocked.
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January 1, 2026 at 2:50 PM
2003 - Ronnie Brown ran 37 times for 184 yards as #20 Auburn defeated #10 Penn State.
Auburn struggled in the game, trailing 6-0 at half, committing two turnovers & 74 yards worth of penalties, and having Damon Duval's field goal blocked.
#WarEagle
Auburn struggled in the game, trailing 6-0 at half, committing two turnovers & 74 yards worth of penalties, and having Damon Duval's field goal blocked.
#WarEagle
1990 - #9 Auburn whooped #21 Ohio State, defeating the Buckeyes 31-14 in the 4th Hall of Fame Bowl in Tampa.
Ohio State's one promising 2nd half drive ended with a Quentin Riggins pick.
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Ohio State's one promising 2nd half drive ended with a Quentin Riggins pick.
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January 1, 2026 at 2:46 PM
1990 - #9 Auburn whooped #21 Ohio State, defeating the Buckeyes 31-14 in the 4th Hall of Fame Bowl in Tampa.
Ohio State's one promising 2nd half drive ended with a Quentin Riggins pick.
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Ohio State's one promising 2nd half drive ended with a Quentin Riggins pick.
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2010 - Auburn and Northwestern each scored 14 points in the 4th quarter to head to overtime tied at 35.
Wes Byrum's 21-yard FG lifted the Tigers.
Auburn intercepted NW QB Mike Kafka five times, including a Walt McFadden 100 yard pick-6.
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Wes Byrum's 21-yard FG lifted the Tigers.
Auburn intercepted NW QB Mike Kafka five times, including a Walt McFadden 100 yard pick-6.
#WarEagle
January 1, 2026 at 2:44 PM
2010 - Auburn and Northwestern each scored 14 points in the 4th quarter to head to overtime tied at 35.
Wes Byrum's 21-yard FG lifted the Tigers.
Auburn intercepted NW QB Mike Kafka five times, including a Walt McFadden 100 yard pick-6.
#WarEagle
Wes Byrum's 21-yard FG lifted the Tigers.
Auburn intercepted NW QB Mike Kafka five times, including a Walt McFadden 100 yard pick-6.
#WarEagle
2007 - John Vaughn's 42-yard field goal was the difference as #10 Auburn topped #22 Nebraska 17-14 in the Cotton Bowl.
FB Carl Stewart was responsible for both touchdowns, one on the ground and grabbing a Brandon Cox pass.
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FB Carl Stewart was responsible for both touchdowns, one on the ground and grabbing a Brandon Cox pass.
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January 1, 2026 at 2:41 PM
2007 - John Vaughn's 42-yard field goal was the difference as #10 Auburn topped #22 Nebraska 17-14 in the Cotton Bowl.
FB Carl Stewart was responsible for both touchdowns, one on the ground and grabbing a Brandon Cox pass.
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FB Carl Stewart was responsible for both touchdowns, one on the ground and grabbing a Brandon Cox pass.
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1954 - After Baylor fumbled the opening kickoff, Auburn made easy work of the Bears.
Joe Childress gained 134 of Auburn's 423 rushing yards as #13 Auburn defeated #18 Baylor 33-13 in the Tigers' second appearance in the Gator Bowl.
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Joe Childress gained 134 of Auburn's 423 rushing yards as #13 Auburn defeated #18 Baylor 33-13 in the Tigers' second appearance in the Gator Bowl.
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December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
1954 - After Baylor fumbled the opening kickoff, Auburn made easy work of the Bears.
Joe Childress gained 134 of Auburn's 423 rushing yards as #13 Auburn defeated #18 Baylor 33-13 in the Tigers' second appearance in the Gator Bowl.
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Joe Childress gained 134 of Auburn's 423 rushing yards as #13 Auburn defeated #18 Baylor 33-13 in the Tigers' second appearance in the Gator Bowl.
#WarEagle
1996 - Auburn jumped out to a big lead over #24 Army in the Independence Bowl, but had to hold on to win 32-29.
Dameyune Craig shined on the day, completing 24 of 42 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns. Willie Gosha had 132 of those yards.
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Dameyune Craig shined on the day, completing 24 of 42 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns. Willie Gosha had 132 of those yards.
#WarEagle
December 31, 2025 at 2:54 PM
1996 - Auburn jumped out to a big lead over #24 Army in the Independence Bowl, but had to hold on to win 32-29.
Dameyune Craig shined on the day, completing 24 of 42 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns. Willie Gosha had 132 of those yards.
#WarEagle
Dameyune Craig shined on the day, completing 24 of 42 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns. Willie Gosha had 132 of those yards.
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2003 - Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown each score two touchdowns as Auburn defeats Wisconsin 28-14 in the Tigers' first Music City Bowl appearance.
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December 31, 2025 at 2:50 PM
2003 - Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown each score two touchdowns as Auburn defeats Wisconsin 28-14 in the Tigers' first Music City Bowl appearance.
#WarEagle
#WarEagle