Auburn's Tre Mason, Nick Marshall deliver big numbers, clutch plays but no win this time

Auburn's Tre Mason celebrates after rushing for a touchdown during the second half of the NCAA BCS National Championship college football game against Florida State Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Auburn's Nick Marshall celebrates his touchdown run during the first half of the NCAA BCS National Championship college football game against Florida State Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (The Associated Press)

PASADENA, Calif. – Tre Mason and Nick Marshall delivered everything but the victory.

Auburn's potent 1-2 backfield punch came through in the clutch again Monday night in a 34-31 loss to Florida State in the BCS championship game. This time is just wasn't enough.

Mason's 37-yard touchdown run with 1:19 left gave the Tigers (12-2) a lead that Jameis Winston & Co. quickly wiped out.

A defense that had mostly held firm in big moments couldn't stop the Heisman Trophy winner and his deadly offense.

Mason, a Heisman finalist, ran 34 times for 195 yards for his sixth straight 100-yard game. He pinballed off defensive back Jalen Ramsey downfield for his 23rd rushing touchdown.

Marshall threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. He also ran for 45 yards and a third score.