Auburn vs Mercer: Knight Shines in Debut as Tigers Battle Bears

Tigers Face High-Powered Mercer Behind Impressive Knight Debut

Auburn Tigers hosted the Mercer Bears in a nonconference showdown at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 19, 2025, with freshman quarterback Deuce Knight making his first career start under interim head coach DJ Durkin. The game marked a crucial test for Auburn as they prepare for next week's Iron Bowl against Alabama.

Mercer arrived in Auburn with an impressive 9-1 record and a nine-game winning streak, boasting the nation's top-ranked total offense. The Bears' freshman quarterback Braden Atkinson had been tearing through defenses with 3,253 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Auburn entered the game at 4-6 overall and 1-6 in SEC play after a dramatic overtime win against Vanderbilt.

Explosive First Quarter Sets Tense Tone

The opening quarter delivered nonstop action as Knight immediately made his mark. On Auburn's first play from scrimmage, the freshman sensation sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the Jordan-Hare crowd.

Mercer responded swiftly, driving 75 yards in eight plays capped by CJ Miller's 1-yard touchdown run. The Bears' high-powered offense continued to showcase its potency when Atkinson connected with Adjatay Dabbs for an 8-yard touchdown, giving Mercer a 14-7 lead midway through the first quarter.

Knight continued his stellar performance later in the quarter, breaking loose for another 51-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at 14-14. By quarter's end, Knight had accumulated 126 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just two carries.

"Mercer does a tremendous job," Durkin noted. "They're first nationally in total offense and second in pass offense... They have an extremely talented freshman quarterback."

Dual-Quarterback Strategy Unveiled

Durkin implemented a unique quarterback approach against Mercer, utilizing both Knight and Jackson Arnold while preserving Ashton Daniels' redshirt status. Arnold entered the game midway through the first quarter, converting a crucial third-down conversion to keep Auburn's offense moving.

This strategy reflects Auburn's commitment to developing young talent while navigating a challenging season. "It's tremendous for this program and for him," Durkin said of Knight's start. "We're going to put together a great plan for both these guys to have success."

Defensive Battle and Senior Day Honors

Auburn's defense, which ranks third in the SEC against the run, faced a significant test against Mercer's explosive offense. The Tigers allowed 135 total yards to the Bears in the first quarter alone, including five successful third-down conversions.

The game also featured Senior Day ceremonies, where Auburn honored 20 players including James Ash, Brian Battie, and Camden Etheredge. Keyron Crawford and Justin Jones were among the seniors recognized for their contributions throughout the season.

Looking Ahead to the Iron Bowl

Despite the focus on Mercer, Durkin emphasized the team's singular concentration on the task at hand. "It's critically important, but I don't think it's going to be a problem for them," he stated. "We've been game planning and preparing for this game."

The contest concluded with both teams tied 14-14 after the first quarter, setting the stage for a competitive second half. For Auburn, the performance provided valuable momentum and experience for their young quarterbacks heading into the highly anticipated Iron Bowl matchup against Alabama next Saturday.