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A sure Kansas State TD pass bounces off the hands of receiver Tyler Lockett into the arms of Auburn DB Jonathan Jones for an interception in the first quarter of Auburn's 20-14 win Sept. 18, 2014, in Manhattan, Kansas. (Travis Heying/WichitaEagle/Kansas.com)

How lucky is Auburn? This lucky.

Lucky enough that the other team can't make field goals in a close game. Like Alabama in the Iron Bowl last year, Kansas State missed three Thursday night in Auburn's 20-14 escape. Kinda like what happened for Alabama against Tennessee in 2009. Or for LSU against Auburn in 2005, when the visiting Tigers missed five in Baton Rouge.

How lucky is Auburn? This lucky.

Lucky enough that a sure-handed Kansas State receiver bobbled a certain touchdown pass into an interception early in the game Thursday night. Kinda like what happened to Auburn last night when its juco sensation at wideout dropped a certain touchdown pass behind the defense. Or in 2003 when a sure-handed Auburn receiver dropped what should've been the game-winning touchdown pass all by his lonesome in the end zone against Ole Miss.

How lucky is Auburn? This lucky.

Lucky enough that a veteran safety got himself suspended indefinitely this week on the eve of a road game in a hostile and unfamiliar environment against a ranked team with a quality quarterback and dangerous receivers. Lucky enough that a sure tackler in kick coverage pulled a hamstring on a game-changing Florida State kick return for a touchdown in the national title game.

How lucky is Auburn? This lucky.

Lucky enough that Ohio State lost the Big Ten Championship Game last year, allowing the Tigers to earn a berth in the BCS Championship Game. Kinda like what happened for Alabama in 2011 when Oklahoma State missed a field goal and lost at Iowa State, allowing the Tide to earn a rematch in the BCS Championship Game.

How lucky is Auburn? This lucky. For two years now, with two memorable exceptions in Baton Rouge and Pasadena, every time the Tigers have been presented with good fortune, they've been good enough to take advantage of it, and every time they've been faced with bad fortune, they've been good enough to overcome it.

That won't continue to be the case if the offensive line doesn't get its act together and the running game struggles against good competition as it did against Kansas State, but Gus Malzahn's brief history as a college head coach suggests there will be work and there will be progress from here.

Good and bad, for you and against you, luck runs both ways. You can say Auburn under Malzahn has been good and lucky, and you're right - as long as you say it in that order.