When Deuce Knight took his first snap at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 22, 2025, no one expected him to rewrite Auburn’s record books — but that’s exactly what happened. The freshman quarterback accounted for six touchdowns and 401 total yards in his first career start, leading the Auburn University Tigers to a 62-17 demolition of the Mercer University Bears. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement — and possibly the turning point in a season that looked lost just weeks ago.
A Breakout Performance for a Freshman
Deuce Knight didn’t just play well. He exploded. His 75-yard touchdown run on the first drive set the tone — a blur of speed and precision that left Mercer’s defense flat-footed. By halftime, he’d added four more scores: three rushing, one passing. His 51-yard scamper to tie the game at 14-14? Pure instinct. His 9-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter? Pure power. And when he found Cam Coleman for a 10-yard strike just before the half, the crowd was already buzzing. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Knight had tied the Auburn single-game record for total touchdowns — a mark previously held by only two players in program history.
What made it more remarkable? He wasn’t even supposed to start. Starter Demetrius Knight, no relation, sat out to preserve his redshirt. The coaching staff had planned for a limited role — maybe mop-up duty. Instead, Knight delivered one of the most explosive debuts in SEC history. “He didn’t look like a freshman,” said Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze afterward. “He looked like he’d been doing this for years.”
How Mercer’s Perfect Season Crumbled
The Mercer University Bears entered the game 9-1, riding a nine-game winning streak and sitting atop the Southern Conference with an unblemished 8-0 conference record. They’d beaten FBS teams before. They’d outlasted tougher opponents. But nothing prepared them for the tidal wave that rolled out of Auburn’s offense.
Early on, Mercer looked competitive. Quarterback Braden Atkinson connected on a 1-yard TD run and an 8-yard pass to Adjatay Dabbs. Their offense moved the ball. But then came the turnovers — and the avalanche. Atkinson threw two interceptions, one returned 41 yards for a touchdown by Auburn linebacker Elijah Melendez. Mercer’s offense went quiet after halftime: three drives, 28 total yards, two punts, one fumble. Their 37:20 time of possession meant nothing when every drive ended in frustration.
“We knew they’d be physical,” said Mercer head coach Mark Hudspeth after the game. “We just didn’t have an answer for their speed. And when you’re playing a team like Auburn, you can’t afford to give up big plays. We did. And it cost us.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The box score told a story of dominance:
- Auburn: 547 total yards (277 rushing, 270 passing), 21 first downs, 62 points
- Mercer: 338 total yards (210 passing, 115 rushing), 19 first downs, 17 points
- Turnovers: Auburn forced three — two picks, one fumble
- Time of possession: Mercer 37:20, Auburn 22:40 — yet Auburn scored on every red zone trip
Auburn’s defense, led by linebacker Robert Woodyard (8 tackles) and defensive lineman Chris Murray (2 sacks, including a strip-sack), turned pressure into points. Melendez’s pick-six was the dagger. The Bears never recovered.
What This Means for Auburn’s Season
Before this game, Auburn was 4-6. A bowl berth? Unlikely. A chance at .500? A long shot. But now, at 5-6, everything changes. All they need is one win — against No. 10 Alabama in the Iron Bowl on November 29, 2025 — to reach 6-6 and become bowl eligible for the first time since 2021.
The Iron Bowl isn’t just a rivalry. It’s a lifeline. And with Knight’s emergence, Auburn isn’t just hoping to win. They’re believing. “We’ve got a quarterback now who can carry us,” said senior wide receiver Jalen McMillan. “We’ve got a chance. And we’re not letting it slip.”
What’s Next for Mercer?
Mercer’s 9-2 season isn’t over. They’ve earned a spot in the FCS playoffs, with their first-round matchup set for November 29, 2025. But the loss to Auburn exposed flaws — particularly in pass defense and third-down stops. Their offense, which had been so efficient all season, looked disjointed against Auburn’s speed. Coach Hudspeth will have to retool quickly. “We’re not done,” he said. “But we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Score
This wasn’t just a blowout. It was a glimpse into Auburn’s future. Knight’s performance signals a potential quarterback transition — one that could define the 2026 season. And for a program that’s struggled with consistency since the departure of Bo Nix, this might be the spark it needed.
Meanwhile, Mercer’s fall from perfect to playoff underdog shows how quickly momentum can shift in college football. One game doesn’t erase a season — but it can change a narrative. And for Auburn? It changed everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Deuce Knight’s performance compare to other Auburn freshman QBs?
Deuce Knight’s six total touchdowns tied the Auburn single-game record, previously set by Cam Newton in 2010 and Bo Nix in 2019. What makes Knight’s feat unique is that he achieved it in his first career start, against an FCS team with a 9-1 record — not a weak opponent. No Auburn freshman had ever thrown for over 200 yards and rushed for over 200 in the same game before. His 401 total yards are the most by a Tiger freshman since 2010.
Why didn’t Mercer’s strong season translate to success against Auburn?
Mercer’s success came in the FCS, where they dominated lower-tier competition. Auburn, despite a rough SEC season, still plays at the FBS level with superior athleticism and speed. Mercer’s offensive line couldn’t handle Auburn’s front seven, and their secondary had no answer for Knight’s dual-threat ability. The gap in talent and physicality was stark — especially after halftime, when Auburn’s defense tightened and forced three turnovers.
What does this mean for Auburn’s 2026 season?
Deuce Knight’s breakout could accelerate Auburn’s quarterback transition. With starter Demetrius Knight retaining his redshirt, Knight now has a full offseason to develop as the presumed starter. His poise under pressure, mobility, and decision-making suggest he could be the foundation for a rebuild. If he improves his accuracy on deep throws — he went 13-of-21 passing — Auburn could be a dark-horse contender in the SEC West next year.
How did Auburn’s defense manage to shut down Mercer’s offense in the second half?
After giving up 17 first-half points, Auburn’s defense adjusted by bringing more pressure on Braden Atkinson and tightening coverage on wide receiver Brayden Smith. Linebacker Elijah Melendez’s pick-six shifted momentum, and defensive coordinator Derek Mason switched to a 3-4 look that confused Mercer’s offensive line. Mercer’s three second-half drives gained just 28 yards total — including a -6-yard fumble — proving that Auburn’s defense, not just the offense, was the difference.
Can Auburn still make a bowl game if they lose to Alabama?
No. Auburn needs a win against Alabama to reach 6-6 and become bowl eligible. A loss would leave them at 5-7, and while the NCAA allows at least one 5-7 team per year to qualify under a waiver, Auburn doesn’t have the academic or financial profile to be selected for that rare exception. Their only path is beating the Crimson Tide — and now, with Knight playing like a veteran, they’ve got a real shot.
What was the significance of Mercer’s 37:20 time of possession?
Mercer held the ball longer than Auburn — but they scored just 17 points. That’s the paradox of inefficiency. They had long drives — but often stalled in the red zone. Auburn, by contrast, scored on every red zone trip (5-of-5), turned short drives into touchdowns, and used explosive plays to keep the clock moving. Time of possession doesn’t matter if you’re not scoring. Auburn’s offense was like a sniper; Mercer’s was a slow-motion artillery barrage — loud, but inaccurate.
