Jan. 8, 2007

AUBURN, Ala. - Tre Smith's blocked punt return for a touchdown during Auburn's 27-17 victory over No.2 Florida Oct. 14 has earned Auburn the "Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year" award. Auburn University was announced as the winner of a $100,000 donation to the school's general scholarship fund from Pontiac during halftime of Monday's BCS National Championship Game for receiving the most on-line votes for the award.

"I want to thank the countless Auburn fans that helped Auburn University win the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year award," said Athletics Director Jay Jacobs. "It is a tremendous indicator of the loyalty and support that Tiger fans have for Auburn University. I would also like to thank Pontiac for their generosity and support of college athletics and academics."

With Auburn trailing 17-11 in the third quarter, Jerraud Powers blocked a Florida punt that Smith returned 15 yards for a touchdown, giving Auburn an 18-17 lead. The play turned out to be the game winner as Auburn never trailed after that point, handing Florida its only loss of the season entering Monday night's game.

The play was nominated for Pontiac's weekly Game Changing Performance award and was voted as the winner, earning Auburn a $5,000 contribution from Pontiac toward the school's general scholarship fund and making the play eligible for the Game Changing Performance of the Year award. The play was one of 13 weekly winners that advanced to the final competition, and survived three rounds of cuts based on fan voting to become one of four plays announced as finalists for the grand prize.

Other schools with plays that reached the final round were Clemson, Iowa and Oregon State.