Vanderbilt has done its best to prove that it is not just a Cinderella story this season, but road losses to Alabama and Texas have prevented some fans from crowning them a legitimate national title contender. The College Football Playoff selection committee clearly shares in their hesitation, as evidenced by the No. 16 spot it assigned to the Commodores in its first rankings of the year.
A home loss to Auburn would have crushed Vanderbilt’s postseason dreams and overshadowed much of the growth the program has enjoyed in 2025. The game was an ugly affair—the defense allowed 563 total yards, and head coach Clark Lea made an unsuccessful gamble on fourth-and-1 instead of opting for a potential go-ahead field goal late in the fourth quarter. Despite these challenges, Vanderbilt remains in the Playoff conversation heading into its bye week.
Fans are relieved, thrilled, and concerned following a matchup that featured 53 combined points scored in the second half and overtime. When emotions run high and feelings are conflicted, social media becomes the outlet for many.
### Vanderbilt Football Fans React to Auburn Scare
“Why does it always have to be so close,” @vandywx commented on X after the Commodores concluded their fourth straight one-possession game (3-1).
“My nerves! Way to dig in and get it done!” @GamerMom4TN exclaimed.
“Great win by Vanderbilt Football over Auburn tonight! Chances of going to CFP rise to 28%,” shared @dougbrown700.
Proud Vanderbilt alumnus, longtime reporter, and polarizing pundit Skip Bayless also expressed enthusiasm regarding his school’s exhilarating win. The Commodores overcame a 14-point first-half deficit and squandered an eight-point fourth-quarter lead during an emotionally draining evening of football.
### Can Vanderbilt Get Back on Track?
Under interim head coach DJ Durkin, new starting quarterback Ashton Daniels, and Auburn’s display of striking tenacity on the road, this close battle has sparked debate. Many argue that the tight scoreline reflects more on Vanderbilt’s struggles than Auburn’s progress. A more decisive outcome was expected, especially against a team still searching for an identity after the firing of Hugh Freeze.
Vanderbilt nearly saw its College Football Playoff pursuit end at the hands of a team with only one SEC win, which came against the only squad that has none (Arkansas). But Lea’s bunch managed to get the job done.
The Commodores now have the luxury of learning from this rough outing and correcting their flaws before it is too late. They will use the upcoming week to regroup, prepare for the visiting Kentucky Wildcats, and then gear up for what should be a season-defining trip to Knoxville, Tennessee.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/vanderbilt-football-news-fans-hyped-survive-auburn-keep-cfp-hopes-alive