Auburn prevails after Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell's injury, fumble late

OXFORD, Miss. -- Cassanova McKinzy won the scramble for the ball, and Auburn emerged from a playoff pileup to survive and advance. McKinzy recovered a fumble in the end zone to preserve the third-ranked Tigers' 35-31 victory over No. 4 Mississippi on Saturday night in what amounted to the first College Football Playoff knockout game. That roller-coaster play proved to be the decisive blow. "This was a playoff game,'' said Auburn linebacker Kris Frost , who forced the last fumble. "But from here on in, every game is a playoff game. They just get bigger and bigger.'' The Tigers (7-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference, No. 3 CFP, No. 4 AP) got a reprieve after Rebels receiver Laquon Treadwell lost the ball at the end of a tackle-breaking catch-and-run to the end zone with 1:30 left. It was ruled a touchdown, but the replay official determined he lost the ball before crossing the goal line.