No. 9 Auburn survives for 23-16 win over Vanderbilt

AUBURN, Ala. -- Sean White gave Auburn fans something to cheer about when he trotted onto the field, then Josh Holsey helped make sure they had something even bigger to celebrate. The ninth-ranked Tigers survived a 23-16 scare Saturday against Vanderbilt that left them with a clear path to the Southeastern Conference championship game, as long as they keep winning. An injured White came off the bench to loud applause opening the second half with his team down 13-10 and quickly delivered a 21-yard touchdown pass to Darius Slayton . Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said White was "banged up" and didn't take a snap in practice leading up to the game. "Sean threw some in warmups, moved around, and it was kind of one of those deals he thought he could go," Malzahn said. "And at halftime we just made the move." Holsey sealed the win with a last-minute interception deep in Auburn territory.