Auburn Dominates Baylor 38-24: Key Highlights and Insights from the August 29, 2025 Showdown – ESPN Recap

WACO, Texas — Auburn kicked off their season with a 38-24 victory over Baylor, marking their first true road game in over two decades. Transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold was a standout, racking up 137 rushing yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Arnold, who previously played for Oklahoma, surprised many with his performance. “Honestly, I didn’t think I’d run that much,” he shared. His efforts included a 24-yard touchdown run that capped a significant 96-yard drive in the first quarter, followed by a clutch 27-yard run on fourth down later in the game.

Running back Jeremiah Cobb praised Arnold’s tenacity. “He looked athletic and had fun out there. It adds more to our offense,” he said.

Baylor’s quarterback, Sawyer Robertson, had a challenging night, finishing with 419 passing yards and three touchdowns. Two of his scoring passes came on critical fourth-down plays, showing resilience despite the loss.

Another highlight was Rayshawn Pleasant’s impressive kickoff return for a touchdown, which helped push Auburn’s lead to 31-17. Pleasant previously excelled in kick returns at Tulane, and his experience showed in this game.

Auburn’s coach, Hugh Freeze, saw room for improvement. “We looked a little sluggish, but we fought hard. Winning against a solid opponent is a good start. We know we can play better,” he commented.

Insights on Auburn’s Rushing Game

Auburn’s running backs, Jermaine Cobb and Damari Alston, had their chance to shine in the absence of last season’s star rusher, Jarquez Hunter. Both players rushed for over 70 yards, with Alston pushing through defenders for a 10-yard touchdown.

“Hard work is starting to pay off,” Alston commented, keeping the focus on future games.

Fourth-Down Challenges

Baylor converted three of six fourth-down attempts, with mixed results. Their failure to capitalize on critical downs contributed to Auburn’s scoring. Coach Dave Aranda acknowledged the need for aggressive plays to shift momentum, given the struggles of their defense.

Looking Forward

Next, Auburn will face Ball State at home, while Baylor will head to Dallas to challenge No. 16 ranked SMU. Both teams have the opportunity to reflect and regroup after this opening game.

As the season unfolds, expect exciting matchups and player developments that could shape the college football landscape. For the latest updates and rankings, check out coverage from AP News College Football.

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