Auburn survives South Carolina scare, bounces back with big win

Auburn might be counting their blessings tonight.

After squeaking away with a close 42-35 victory against South Carolina, Auburn certainly had its fair share of close moments on Saturday in a game that wasn't decided until late in the fourth quarter.

Trailing into the third quarter, it was clear that South Carolina had something to prove against No. 5 Auburn that was exorcising its own demons after their first loss of the season against Mississippi State a week ago.

Sandwiched between two match-ups against Mississippi powerhouses, this game was an opportunity for Auburn to really run up the score and remind people why they're one of the most powerful teams in the SEC.

The reality was much different. Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall was held to 139 passing yards on 12 completions, but the team's rushing tandem of Cameron Artis-Payne and Ricardo Louis combined for 269 yards on the ground.

It was a workman-like performance by a team desperately in need of a win to regain traction. A loss to South Carolina would put them in a difficult position going against an Ole Miss team seeking a victim next week.

The win ended up being anything but perfect, but it was in that imperfection that Auburn found itself persevering and keeping faith in a group that knew it needed a win and got one despite South Carolina's constant pressure.

That has to count for something.