In the first game of the series, No. 20 Auburn defeats Old Dominion

In the world of college football, every season brings its own storylines, fresh faces, and teams looking to prove themselves. For the No. 20 Auburn Tigers, their first game of the 2025 season was a crucial opportunity to kick off their campaign with a win. They found themselves facing off against Old Dominion University, a team that has often been considered an underdog in college football but has built a reputation for putting up a strong fight. This opening game set the tone for what Auburn hoped would be a promising season, and despite some challenging moments, the Tigers emerged victorious.

Pre-Game Context

Auburn entered the game with high expectations, having been ranked No. 20 in the nation by the Associated Press. The Tigers were coming off a solid 2024 campaign and hoped to continue their momentum as they prepared for another competitive season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Known for their robust defense, quick offense, and top-tier coaching, Auburn had the tools to go far. But with high expectations come high pressure, and the Tigers knew that an opening win was crucial to maintaining their ranking and confidence going into tougher conference games.

Old Dominion, meanwhile, was no stranger to adversity. The Monarchs had been part of Conference USA for several years and had earned their respect by being competitive in a variety of high-profile matchups. While they weren’t ranked nationally, they had several key players who could make a difference in any given game. Head coach Ricky Rahne had worked tirelessly to improve the program, bringing in talented recruits and refining their strategic approach. Though Old Dominion wasn’t expected to pull off an upset, they had the capability to challenge any team that took them lightly.

Game Recap

The game took place at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and passionate fanbase. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, eager to see how Auburn would perform under the spotlight in their season opener. As the teams took to the field, there was an air of anticipation – a mix of optimism from Auburn supporters and a quiet confidence from the Old Dominion contingent, who knew their team could pull off a surprise.

First Half: Auburn Sets the Tone

From the very first whistle, Auburn asserted their dominance on both sides of the ball. The Tigers’ offense, led by their experienced quarterback, efficiently moved the ball down the field. Auburn’s offensive line, known for their strength and discipline, gave their quarterback plenty of time to survey the field. With quick passes, well-timed runs, and a balanced attack, the Tigers established an early lead.

Running back Jarvis Montgomery, a seasoned player, had an impressive first half. His ability to find gaps in Old Dominion’s defense, coupled with his sharp vision, made him a constant threat. He powered through tackles and broke off several long runs that brought the crowd to its feet. Montgomery’s performance was a statement, showcasing his readiness to carry the offense in the absence of some of Auburn’s key offensive stars from the previous season.

However, despite Auburn’s offensive success, Old Dominion’s defense wasn’t going to roll over easily. The Monarchs’ defensive line and secondary worked hard to pressure Auburn’s quarterback, and they managed to force a few quick punts and a couple of sacks. While they couldn’t stop the Tigers’ offense entirely, they kept things from completely spiraling out of control.

Old Dominion’s offense, led by their talented quarterback, Josh Johnson, was under constant pressure. Johnson’s ability to extend plays with his legs kept Auburn’s defense on their toes, but he was often forced to throw on the run due to Auburn’s strong pass rush. The Tigers’ defense, known for its ability to stifle opposing offenses, showed why they were ranked among the best in the nation.

The first half saw Auburn pull ahead, but Old Dominion wasn’t without its moments. In the second quarter, the Monarchs managed to capitalize on a key turnover. Auburn’s quarterback threw an interception on a pass attempt that was slightly behind his receiver, allowing Old Dominion to set up shop in Auburn territory. The Monarchs took advantage of the miscue, executing a series of short, quick passes and runs to get into the red zone. While they couldn’t quite punch the ball into the end zone, their field goal unit came through, cutting Auburn’s lead to just one touchdown.

The first half ended with Auburn leading 17-10, but the Tigers had been far from perfect. Head coach Hugh Freeze would have some words for his team in the locker room, stressing the importance of tightening up in the second half to avoid any further surprises from Old Dominion.

Second Half: Auburn Maintains Control

As the teams came out for the second half, it was clear that Auburn had made the necessary adjustments. Their defense, which had been solid but not perfect in the first half, began to assert itself more in the second. The front seven of Auburn started to dominate, shutting down Old Dominion’s running game and forcing Johnson to drop back and pass more often.

Old Dominion had some success moving the ball early in the second half, but Auburn’s defense tightened up in key moments. On one drive, Old Dominion appeared to be on the verge of scoring, but Auburn’s defense made a crucial goal-line stand, stuffing the Monarchs on three consecutive plays to force a turnover on downs.

Auburn’s offense continued to do just enough to keep Old Dominion at bay. Jarvis Montgomery added another touchdown run, this time a 20-yard burst through the middle of the defense, which pushed the Tigers’ lead to 24-10. The Auburn offensive line, which had struggled in pass protection at times, made a statement with their powerful run-blocking in the second half.

The final nail in the coffin came late in the game when Auburn’s special teams unit executed a perfect punt return, setting up the Tigers in great field position. Auburn’s quarterback, who had been efficient but not spectacular, made a few key throws in the final minutes, helping to seal the game with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jalen Brooks. The Tigers’ lead grew to 31-13, and Old Dominion’s hopes of a late comeback evaporated.

Final Score: Auburn 31, Old Dominion 13

Auburn’s victory, though not flawless, was a solid start to the season. The Tigers showed their strength on both sides of the ball, with a potent offense that showcased the versatility of Montgomery and the passing game, and a defense that, despite allowing some big plays, managed to make the necessary stops when it mattered most.

For Old Dominion, the game was not without its positives. While they were unable to pull off the upset, their defense showed resilience, and their offense had moments where they looked capable of scoring. With the right adjustments, the Monarchs could find themselves in contention for a strong season in Conference USA.

Key Players

Jarvis Montgomery (Auburn Running Back): Montgomery was undoubtedly the star of the game, rushing for over 150 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and find holes in the defense allowed Auburn to control the clock and establish a strong running game.
Auburn Defense: While not perfect, the Tigers’ defense was able to shut down Old Dominion when it mattered most. Key players like linebacker Joe Thompson and cornerback Ricky Hunter made key tackles and interceptions.
Josh Johnson (Old Dominion Quarterback): Johnson showed flashes of brilliance, especially in extending plays with his legs. However, he was under constant pressure and was unable to lead his team to a victory. Still, his performance showed potential for future success.
Auburn Quarterback: Auburn’s quarterback didn’t have a standout game, but he managed the offense well, throwing for a touchdown and making key plays when needed.

In the end, Auburn’s victory over Old Dominion was a positive, though not dominant, start to their 2025 season. The Tigers will undoubtedly have tougher challenges ahead as they face off against stronger SEC opponents, but this game provided a solid foundation. Old Dominion, on the other hand, showed that they are not a team to be underestimated, and they’ll likely continue to develop into a formidable force in their conference. For now, Auburn’s first win of the season was an important step toward achieving their goals, but they know they will need to clean up some areas of their game before their next matchup.

In the first game of the series, No. 20 Auburn defeats Old Dominion.