It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. On November 22, 2025, Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, a freshman quarterback nobody expected to start delivered one of the most explosive performances in Auburn Tigers history. Deuce Knight threw for two touchdowns and ran for four, racking up 401 total yards in his first career start, tying the school record. The result? A 62-17 demolition of the Mercer Bears, snapping their nine-game winning streak and sending Auburn into the Iron Bowl with a spark they desperately needed.
Auburn’s Comeback Wasn’t Just a Rally—It Was a Reset
Mercer came in riding high. The Mercer Bears, already crowned Southern Conference champions, had won nine straight. They jumped out to a 14-7 lead late in the first quarter, looking every bit the part of a disciplined FCS contender. But then something shifted. Auburn’s defense, battered all season, suddenly remembered how to hit. And Knight? He went from unproven to unforgettable.By halftime, the scoreboard read 35-14. By the end of the third quarter, it was 49-14. The Auburn Tigers scored 55 unanswered points. The game wasn’t close. It was a statement. And it came from a team that had lost five of its last six games, including four by double digits.
Deuce Knight: The Unexpected Star
Knight didn’t just play—he owned the field. His 75-yard touchdown run on the second play of the second quarter changed the game’s energy. Then came the 51-yard scamper, the 9-yard plunge, and the 10-yard strike to Cam Coleman. But the dagger? A 91-yard bomb to Malcolm Simmons, who burned the Mercer secondary and finished with five catches for 149 yards. That play wasn’t just a touchdown—it was a highlight reel moment that’ll replay for years."It was crazy," Knight said afterward, smiling. "Great blocking downfield, great blocking up front. The easy part is all you’ve got to do is just run when it’s all blocked up."
His poise was startling for a freshman thrust into the spotlight after starter Kaidon Salter’s injury. Knight didn’t just handle the pressure—he thrived under it. His six touchdowns tied the Auburn single-game record set by Bo Jackson in 1985 and matched by Cam Newton in 2010. He didn’t throw an interception. He didn’t fumble. He didn’t blink.
Defense Awakens—Just in Time
The real surprise? The defense. After giving up 30+ points in five of their last six games, Auburn held Mercer to just three points after the first quarter. Robert Woodyard led the charge with eight tackles. Chris Murray had two sacks, including a strip-sack recovered by Jay Hardy. And then there was Elijah Melendez, who returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter—his first career pick-six."We did make a few adjustments," said defensive coordinator Durkin. "But it was more challenging our guys to play to the standard. We have great leadership and our guys responded. Any time you create those plays, you create some doubt and affect the quarterback. That’s what I thought we did a great job of—to increase some uncertainty in him."
Mercer’s quarterback, Braden Atkinson, threw for 210 yards but had two picks—one returned for a score. The Bears managed 338 total yards, but only 115 on the ground. Auburn’s offense? 547 total yards. 277 rushing. 270 passing. A balanced, brutal attack.
Special Teams, Sacks, and the Iron Bowl Looming
Even the specialists delivered. Alex McPherson made his 11th straight field goal—a 47-yarder—and added a 49-yarder after Murray’s strip-sack recovery. Jackson Arnold capped the scoring with a 56-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.But the real story isn’t the score. It’s what this win means.
Auburn entered the game at 5-6. One more win—just one—and they’re bowl eligible. That win comes Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. CT, when the No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide rolls into Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Iron Bowl. The winner gets a bowl bid. The loser? Another offseason of questions.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Mercer, despite the loss, is headed to the FCS playoffs. They’ll find out their opponent and seed in the coming days. They’ll be a tough draw—nine wins, a strong offense, and a coach who knows how to prepare.For Auburn? This was more than a win. It was a lifeline. After losing linebacker Demarcus Riddick to season-ending shoulder surgery and defensive end Keldric Faulk on the first series, this performance was a testament to depth, grit, and belief.
"We needed this," said one senior defensive back post-game. "Not just for the bowl. For us. For the program. We’ve been waiting for someone to step up. Tonight, it was Deuce."
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Deuce Knight’s performance compare to past Auburn quarterbacks?
Deuce Knight’s six total touchdowns tied the Auburn single-game record set by Bo Jackson in 1985 and matched by Cam Newton in 2010. He’s the first freshman to do it in a starting debut. His 401 total yards rank among the top five in school history for a debut, and he’s the first Auburn QB since Newton to throw for two TDs and rush for four in the same game. The last freshman to throw for 200+ and rush for 150+ in a game? None ever have—Knight is the first.
Why is this game significant for Auburn’s bowl eligibility?
Auburn entered the game at 5-6, needing one win to reach the 6-6 threshold for bowl eligibility. Their only remaining game is against No. 10 Alabama in the Iron Bowl. A win would make them bowl-bound for the first time since 2021. A loss means another losing season and questions about the program’s direction. This win over Mercer gave them momentum, confidence, and proof they can execute under pressure.
What does this loss mean for Mercer’s FCS playoff chances?
Mercer’s 9-2 record still locks them into the FCS playoffs, and their Southern Conference title ensures an automatic bid. But losing by 45 points to an FBS team, especially after a nine-game win streak, could hurt their seeding. They’ll likely be a lower seed, possibly facing a top-10 FCS team in the first round. Their offensive firepower remains intact, but their defense was exposed—something opponents will exploit.
How did Auburn’s injuries impact this game?
Auburn lost starting linebacker Demarcus Riddick to season-ending shoulder surgery weeks ago and defensive end Keldric Faulk on the first play of the game. That forced backups into key roles, and the defense was expected to struggle. Instead, they responded with three turnovers and held Mercer to 17 points after a 14-point first quarter. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough—and it showed the program’s depth is better than many assumed.
What’s at stake in the Iron Bowl against Alabama?
For Auburn, a win over No. 10 Alabama would not only secure bowl eligibility but could be the most significant victory since 2017. It would be their first win over Alabama since 2020 and would send the program into the offseason with credibility. For Alabama, it’s about maintaining dominance and securing a top-4 seed for the College Football Playoff. For Auburn fans? It’s about hope. For Alabama? It’s about legacy.
Was this game a sign of things to come for Deuce Knight?
Absolutely. Knight’s poise under pressure, his ability to extend plays, and his chemistry with receivers like Malcolm Simmons suggest he’s more than a one-game wonder. If he can maintain this level of play against Alabama’s defense, he could be Auburn’s starter for the next three seasons. Scouts are already watching. Coaches are already planning. This wasn’t a fluke—it was the arrival of a new era.
