Auburn kicker Alex McPherson was the hero in Saturday's game against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. He kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired to give Auburn a 27-24 win over the No. 1 Bulldogs, ending a nine-game losing streak in the series and nailing down the first notable win of Alex Golesh's early tenure.
McPherson has battled adversity in his college career, but he keeps finding ways to deliver when his team needs him. Saturday's 34-yard kick with the game on the line was arguably the most important of his career.
"That was my first-ever game-winning field goal attempt, so it's awesome to knock it down and do that for our team," McPherson said postgame (via WSFA).
McPherson went on to break down the execution of the game-winning kick.
"God is good. I really just wanted to go out there and execute for my team, and they put me in the position," Golesh said. "Hudson Kaak (holder) and Hudson Powell (long snapper) had a great snap, great hold, and my line did their job and made my job pretty easy. I was just glad to do that for them and for this team. They played so dang hard; I'm so proud of them. Man, that was just a great win for the program."
McPherson was one of several players who stepped up in Auburn's upset win over Georgia on Saturday. Here is who Auburn Wire writers, as well as Auburn fans, voted as their "Tigers of the Game" from Auburn's 27-24 win.
Taylor Jones: Byrum Brown
Byrum Brown was the quarterback his team needed on Saturday. Brown gained 265 all-purpose yards by reaching the 100-yard mark in both passing and rushing. He also got through the day without committing a turnover.
Brown has now passed for at least 150 yards and rushed for 100 yards in two straight games, and has scored a passing and rushing touchdown in four of Auburn's six games.
Phillip Jordan: Alex McPherson
Let us show some love to Mr. McPherson. McPherson made two field goals on Saturday, but his 34-yard game-winning field goal as time expired was the play of the game. McPherson is now 5-for-7 on the year, and 4-for-5 on field goals 40 or more yards away.
Jac Myrick: Elijah Melendez
Elijah Melendez faced plenty of pressure on Saturday as his workload increased in the absence of Xavier Atkins. As usual, Melendez delivered. He was Auburn's top tackler with nine, and he recorded a key interception of Gunner Stockton in the 3rd quarter.
Fan vote: Elijah Melendez
Auburn fans have spoken, and they chose linebacker Elijah Melendez as their pick for Tiger of the Game in Auburn's 27-24 win over Georgia on Saturday. Melendez received 42% of the vote, beating Byrum Brown, Alex McPherson, and Jared Smith for the honor. To have a say in who wins next week's Tiger of the Game, visit Auburn Wire on X after every game to cast your vote.
Taylor Jones is the lead writer for Auburn Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) and BlueSky. Follow Auburn Wire on X and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Tigers of the Game: Alex McPherson's clutch kick downs No. 1 Georgia