Auburn Tigers Triumph Over Nebraska Cornhuskers 17-14 in Thrilling 2007 Cotton Bowl Victory, Duckworth and Browder Hoist Trophy High
On January 1, 2007, in Dallas, Texas, the Auburn Tigers secured a hard-fought 17-14 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, a game that epitomized grit, resilience, and sheer determination. Auburn guard Tim Duckworth, along with defensive end and defensive tackle Christopher Browder, stood tall among their teammates as they carried the coveted Cotton Bowl trophy off the field. The moment captured the spirit of a team that never wavered, even when the pressure was mounting, and demonstrated the heart of champions in front of a roaring crowd at the historic Cotton Bowl stadium.
Auburn’s victory over Nebraska was a culmination of months of dedication, preparation, and teamwork. Coming into the game, both programs had storied traditions and strong seasons behind them. The matchup between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouse Auburn and the Big 12’s Nebraska Cornhuskers was one fans had eagerly anticipated, with both teams entering the bowl season looking to cap their campaigns on a high note. Auburn, ranked in the top 10 nationally, had seen its share of ups and downs during the regular season, yet managed to rise above injuries and tough competition. Nebraska, a team built on physicality and pride, was also seeking a return to national prominence under head coach Bill Callahan.
The game itself was a showcase of elite-level college football, with intensity from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Nebraska struck first, capitalizing on a long opening drive that demonstrated their offensive balance and ability to control the clock. Quarterback Zac Taylor led the Huskers down the field with precision passes and timely runs, culminating in a short touchdown pass that gave Nebraska an early 7-0 lead. Auburn responded quickly, showing their offensive versatility and resolve. Quarterback Brandon Cox connected with his receivers on key third downs, and the Tigers tied the game at 7-7 with a scoring drive of their own, punctuated by a rushing touchdown from tailback Kenny Irons.
As the first half progressed, it became evident that both defenses had come to play. Nebraska’s front seven pressured Cox relentlessly, trying to force turnovers and disrupt Auburn’s rhythm. Meanwhile, the Auburn defense, anchored by Christopher Browder and linebacker Will Herring, tightened up after the early Nebraska score, limiting their offensive output and forcing punts. Auburn’s defensive line, in particular, played with a chip on its shoulder, with Browder making key tackles and drawing double teams that allowed his teammates to fill gaps and stop the run. His impact was felt throughout the afternoon, helping to neutralize Nebraska’s ground game and keep the Tigers within striking distance.
The halftime score stood tied at 14-14 after each team added another touchdown in the second quarter. Auburn’s second score came on a brilliant play-action pass from Cox to wide receiver Courtney Taylor, who slipped behind the defense for a 35-yard touchdown. Nebraska countered with a mix of option runs and quick slants that kept Auburn’s defense guessing, eventually punching it in on a quarterback sneak by Taylor. The energy inside the stadium was electric, with fans from both sides sensing that the game could go down to the wire.
The second half saw a noticeable shift in momentum, as both defenses continued to clamp down and limit scoring opportunities. Auburn’s defensive coordinator made critical halftime adjustments, switching to a more aggressive blitzing scheme that put added pressure on Taylor and disrupted Nebraska’s timing. Christopher Browder continued to shine in the trenches, shedding blocks and closing running lanes, while Tim Duckworth and the offensive line held their ground against a fierce Nebraska pass rush. Duckworth’s leadership on the line ensured that Cox had just enough time to find open receivers, and his blocking on key third-and-short plays kept drives alive.
In the fourth quarter, the game remained deadlocked, with each possession carrying enormous weight. Auburn’s offense began to find a rhythm late in the game, marching methodically down the field with a mix of inside runs and short passes. A clutch third-down catch by Prechae Rodriguez set up the Tigers in field goal range with under five minutes to play. With the game hanging in the balance, kicker John Vaughn stepped up and calmly drilled a 42-yard field goal that gave Auburn a 17-14 lead.
Nebraska had one last opportunity to answer, but Auburn’s defense rose to the occasion. A crucial third-down sack by Browder pushed the Cornhuskers into a fourth-and-long situation, and the ensuing pass fell incomplete as the Tigers’ secondary blanketed the receivers. As the final seconds ticked away, Auburn’s sideline erupted in celebration, knowing they had earned a victory through sheer willpower and execution. The win improved Auburn’s season record to 11-2 and marked their third straight bowl victory under head coach Tommy Tuberville.
The post-game scene was one of jubilation and raw emotion. Duckworth, a senior and vocal leader of the team, embraced Browder and other teammates as they hoisted the Cotton Bowl trophy together. The image of Duckworth, helmet in hand, smiling wide and carrying the trophy with Browder by his side, was a moment that encapsulated everything about college football’s pageantry and pride. Both players had battled through adversity all season and delivered peak performances when it mattered most. Their leadership and toughness had a tangible impact on the outcome, and their celebratory walk with the trophy symbolized the heart of a team that believed in itself.
Head coach Tommy Tuberville, in his post-game press conference, praised his players’ mental toughness and the coaching staff’s preparation. “We knew it was going to be a battle,” he said. “Nebraska is a great football team, but our guys never backed down. They believed in each other and played with a lot of heart. I’m proud of every single one of them.” He went on to credit the seniors for their leadership, specifically calling out Duckworth and Browder for their on-field dominance and off-field example-setting throughout the season.
For Auburn fans, the victory served as a testament to the program’s sustained success and a fitting send-off for a senior class that had helped restore Auburn’s place among college football’s elite. It also provided momentum heading into the next season, with a foundation built on defense, discipline, and the kind of leadership that wins close games. The 2007 Cotton Bowl will long be remembered by Auburn faithful not only for the final score but for the emotion and effort that went into every snap.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers, though disappointed by the narrow loss, showed grit and talent that pointed toward a bright future. Taylor’s poise under pressure, along with a young and athletic defense, gave Nebraska fans reason for optimism heading into the next year. Coach Callahan emphasized the need for finishing drives and cleaning up execution in high-stakes games, lessons that the team would carry into offseason training and preparation.
As for the Auburn Tigers, the 2007 Cotton Bowl was more than just another win. It was a defining moment, one in which heroes emerged and legacies were cemented. Tim Duckworth, who had spent his college career anchoring the offensive line with toughness and quiet confidence, had one final opportunity to show his greatness on a national stage. Christopher Browder, an underrated but vital force on the defensive front, made his presence known through constant pressure and timely plays. Together, they embodied the spirit of a team that refused to be denied, and their triumphant lift of the Cotton Bowl trophy will be remembered as a symbol of Auburn’s resilience, camaraderie, and pride.
From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, the 2007 Cotton Bowl offered everything fans could hope for: passion, drama, and unforgettable performances. As the sun set over Dallas and the Auburn band played the fight song one last time that season, the Tigers walked off the field as victors, with their heads held high and a trophy that represented far more than just a win—it represented the heart and soul of a team that had given everything for each other and their school.
