Louisiana Monroe falls short of second upset of SEC opponent

The Southeastern Conference’s West Division, which has provided the last three BCS national champions, narrowly avoided another shocking upset when Auburn survived for a 31-28 overtime victory over Louisiana Monroe.

Last week, the same Louisiana Monroe defeated No. 8 Arkansas, inspiring T-shirts that read “The Shock in Little Rock.”

The Warhawks ALMOST did it again, rallying from a 28-14 deficit to tie the score and send the game to overtime. Louisiana Monroe missed a field goal on its first overtime possession and Auburn won the game on a 35-yard field goal by Cody Parker.

Auburn avoided its first 0-3 start since 1950 and the SEC West saved a little bit of face against a school that has never posted a winning season in football since joining the FBS.

The SEC West has dominated college football in recent years. Alabama won the title in 2009, followed by Auburn in 2010. Alabama reclaimed the crown last year in a title-game rematch against SEC West champion Louisiana State, which won it all in 2007.

Auburn, despite being 0-2, was a 16-point favorite entering the game. So, in that respect, at least in Las Vegas, Louisiana Monroe did pull off the upset.

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