AUBURN | It was a strong performance by Auburn’s defense, but its offense and special teams let the team down.

The Tigers managed just 88 rushing yards and were 2 of 13 on third down in a 17-7 loss to Vanderbilt Saturday afternoon at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn falls to 3-6 overall and 1-5 SEC.

Tied 7-7, Vandy took the lead after a 39-yard punt return by Martel Hight set up a 31-yard field goal at the end of the third quarter.

Auburn’s Towns McGough missed a 44-yard field goal early in the second half.

Vandy clinched the win with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Diego Pavia to Eli Stowers with 4:18 left. Pavia was held in check for most of the game, completing 9 of 22 passes for 143 yards, but threw two touchdown passes.

After rushing for 278 yards on 23 carries in a win at Kentucky last week, Jarquez Hunter was held to 50 yards on 12 carries.

The Commodores defense racked up seven tackles-for-loss and three sacks.

Vandy broke on top 7-0 at the end if the first quarter on a 28-yard touchdown pass by Pavia to AJ Newberry to complete an 81-yard drive.

The Tigers answered with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Payton Thorne to Rivaldo Fairweather midway through the second quarter to go into halftime tied 7-7.

Auburn was 0 of 7 on third downs in the first half.

Auburn will take a week off before hosting ULM Nov. 16 at 11:45 a.m. CT on SECN+/ESPN+.