Here are some quick thoughts on Auburn’s 41-38 loss to Texas A&M.

What it means: With its second loss, Auburn’s playoff hopes are gashed. The Tigers were caught looking ahead to next week’s road matchup with Georgia, while Texas A&M looked like a new team with Kyle Allen under center. Gus Malzahn’s team looked flat from the start, and now must find something to play for the rest of this season. The Tigers now must regroup heading to Athens next week.

What I liked: There’s not much good to takeaway from this loss, but Auburn’s offense played well. The Tigers amassed 582 yards of total offense. Nick Marshall had another good night throwing the football and Cameron Artis-Payne had a career night running the football. Even after a slow start, the Tigers got going in the second half. That’s about the only thing Auburn fans can feel good about after this game.

What I didn’t like: Where do you start? Defense, penalties, turnovers, special teams? The defense was abysmal; even the Tigers’ run defense — where they had been successful this season — struggled. The secondary surrendered 277 yards through the air to Kyle Allen, who was making his first SEC and road start on Saturday. Auburn committed eight penalties at inopportune times, often extending drives that led to A&M points. The offense inexplicably turned the ball over on its final two drives, and had three turnovers on the day.

Who’s the man: Cameron Artis-Payne. He rushed for 221 yards and two scores on 30 carries, a career night for the JUCO transfer. Artis-Payne got stronger as the game went on, and singlehandedly carried the Tigers at times during the game.

Key play: The Tigers were driving with less than a minute to go, and had gotten in field goal range. On a first down play in which Marshall was changing the play call, center Reese Dismukes snapped the football, and a Texas A&M defender recovered, sealing the win for the Aggies who were huge underdogs. Turnovers down the stretch cost Auburn dearly.

What’s next: A road trip to Athens to face Georgia looms for Auburn next week. The Bulldogs are coming off a huge, 62-point performance against Kentucky and now face an Auburn defense who can’t stop air. Auburn has to find a way to rebound; the Tigers can still salvage a very good season.