HotFootballTake: Deuce Knight Delivers a Historic Day on the Plains
This was the performance Auburn fans desperately needed.
On Senior Day, with bowl eligibility still hanging in the balance and a week before the Iron Bowl, the Tigers exploded for 62 points and 547 yards of total offense in a dominant win over No. 6 (FCS) Mercer. True freshman quarterback Deuce Knight made his first career start and instantly etched his name in program history, accounting for six total touchdowns — tying the all-time school record — and delivering the kind of electric, effortless performance Auburn hasn’t seen from that position in years.
Knight opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown run on the first snap, then proceeded to rush for 162 yards and four scores while throwing for 239 yards and two more touchdowns on 15-of-20 passing. His 91-yard touchdown strike to Malcolm Simmons in the third quarter was the third-longest passing play in program history. Simmons finished with 149 yards receiving, and Auburn found its offensive identity without ever needing to compromise its long-term quarterback plan. Ashton Daniels was held out to protect his redshirt and will return for the Iron Bowl.
Defensively, Auburn settled in after giving up touchdowns on Mercer’s first two drives. The Tigers forced three turnovers — including a 41-yard pick-six by Elijah Melendez and a strip sack by Chris Murray that Jay Hardy recovered. Kaleb Harris added a critical interception just before halftime. Alex McPherson stayed perfect on the season, drilling field goals from 47 and 49 yards.
The win snapped Mercer’s nine-game win streak and sets up a massive Iron Bowl with bowl eligibility on the line. DJ Durkin, now 1-1 as interim head coach, praised the team’s execution and energy, especially Knight’s poise in his debut: “Deuce went out there and had fun. He was ready. He was playing like he was in the backyard.”
This was the kind of feel-good performance that reminds everyone what Auburn can look like when the right players are empowered to play freely. One game remains.
What’s Next: Iron Bowl!
With Mercer in the rearview, Auburn now turns its full attention to the Iron Bowl — and everything is on the line.
The Tigers (5–6) host No. 10 Alabama (9–2) under the lights at Jordan-Hare in what will be the first Iron Bowl night game since 2014. Auburn must win to secure bowl eligibility and avoid a second straight losing season. For Alabama, it’s a must-win to keep SEC Championship and College Football Playoff hopes alive.
It’s spoiler season on the Plains. Deuce Knight just made history, Ashton Daniels is rested, and the Tigers have a little momentum. The Crimson Tide? They’re walking into a rivalry trap in one of the loudest, most hostile environments in college football.
This is the biggest week of the year.
This is what Auburn football is built for.
It’s Bama Hate Week.