Here is what we learned about the Tigers after the loss. Quarterback Payton Thorne was benched a short couple of weeks ago and thrown back into action last week against Arkansas after struggles shown by Hank Brown. He responded this week in one of the biggest games of Auburn’s season by playing well, which is what fans desperately needed to see.

The Auburn Tigers fell to No. 21 Oklahoma 27-21 on Saturday. They dropped to 2-3 with all three losses coming on home field. Some members of the Tigers helped put the team in a position to win. Others hurt their chances and ultimately did them in.

Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., top right, dives over Auburn defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes (22) for a touchdown to take the lead over Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) AP

As the Sooners jogged onto the field, a cheerleader could be seen doing a series of flips in their direction. While some players quickly veered out of the way, Oklahoma defensive back Makari Vickers was in the athlete’s path, resulting in a wild pregame collision.