Alex McPherson sealed a 27-24 victory for Auburn over top-ranked Georgia with a 34-yard field goal as time expired, delivering a stunning upset in college football.
Auburn Overcomes a 14-Point Deficit in Athens
Entering the matchup in Athens as 18.5-point underdogs, Auburn fell behind 14-0 early before orchestrating a remarkable turnaround. The Tigers clawed their way back to claim a 17-14 halftime lead. Georgia managed to pull even at 24-24 with just 2 minutes and 58 seconds remaining in regulation. However, Auburn recovered a late fumble, drove down to the opponent’s 19-yard line, and set the stage for McPherson’s game-winning kick.
Alex McPherson 49-yard FG, Auburn leads Georgia 17-14, 1:20 2Q
The result marks the second week that a top-ranked team fell to an unranked opponent, following Oklahoma’s victory over then-No. 1 Texas the previous weekend.
A Remarkable Medical Recovery Precedes the Gamewinner
The dramatic kick carries deep personal significance for McPherson, who underwent a total colectomy in 2024 to treat severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. During the height of the illness, the kicker suffered massive weight loss, dropping down to roughly 50 kilograms after shedding 25 kilograms total.
“In the week that it started, I had to run to the bathroom 15 to 20 times a day,” McPherson recounted last year regarding the onset of his symptoms. “I thought I just had a flu, a stomach bug, or something else. I had lost 20 pounds.”
By the time of the SEC Media Days in July, McPherson confirmed he had regained his physical strength. “It’s really great and exciting to be normal again and where I used to be,” he stated. “I have the strength back to kick the way I want to and the way I used to. I think I’m kicking as well as I have since my illness, and it’s great to be able to fully play along with the guys again.”
High School Pedigree and NFL Aspirations on the Horizon
McPherson is currently playing his final season at Auburn. Long before his college heroics—and his grueling medical battle—he drew widespread attention during his high school career by converting a 61-yard field goal.
His older brother, Evan McPherson, is currently in his sixth NFL season serving as the kicker for the Cincinnati Bengals. With his health restored and his collegiate career reaching a crescendo, a potential transition to the NFL for Alex McPherson in 2027 represents a milestone that seemed almost unimaginable during his hospital stay two years ago.
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