Auburn was just four points away from knocking off No. 19 Missouri on the road Saturday. However, a 30-yard missed field goal from freshman Towns McGough in the final seconds of the third quarter could call for a change in the kicking game.
After drilling a 32-yard kick in second quarter, McGough‘s missed field goal attempt would have given Auburn a 20-6 lead. Missouri would score on the ensuing drive cutting Auburn’s lead to 17-14 at the start of the fourth quarter.
A frustrated Hugh Freeze called the missed field goal a turning point in the game and hinted at bringing back last year’s starter Alex McPherson.
“That gave them some momentum, and it would have been nice for us to see them have to drive down the field after the missed field goal,” Freeze said. I don’t think anything health-wise is troubling him. He’s in a kicker’s slump, I guess you would say. Alex McPherson is closer health-wise for some shorter ones. Probably have to look at that, too.”
McPherson returned back to action three weeks ago against Oklahoma, after dealing with an intestinal illness in the summer.
In his career he’s 19-20 on field goals and 49-49 on PAT attempts. The 2023 fresh All-American and Lou Groza Award semifinalist was one of two kickers who made at least one field goal per game last season.
Despite McGough being a perfect 26-26 on PAT attempts this year, Saturday was the third straight game where he missed a field goal.
The Tigers will have a week to decide on the kicking change as they travel to Lexington, KY for a SEC matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats.
