Deuce Knight Explodes for Six TDs as Auburn Blows Out Mercer 62–17 in Freshman’s Historic First Start

Knight Tallies 401 Total Yards with Four Rushing TDs and Two Passing Scores; Tigers Dominate Second Half Ahead of Iron Bowl Showdown

AUBURN, Ala. | Auburn found its spark — and his name is Deuce Knight. In one of the most electrifying first starts in program history, the true freshman quarterback accounted for six touchdowns and 401 total yards, powering Auburn to a dominant 62–17 win over Mercer on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Knight dazzled from the opening snap, rushing for four touchdowns and throwing for two, showcasing the dual-threat explosiveness Auburn coaches have raved about for weeks. The victory improves Auburn to 5–6 (1–6 SEC) and sends the Tigers into Iron Bowl week with renewed confidence — and a rising star at quarterback.

Interim head coach DJ Durkin praised Knight’s command and poise.

“The game Deuce had, moving the ball with the throws and the runs — he showed everyone what we’ve been seeing at practice,” Durkin said. “A complete game in all three phases.”

Knight finished 15-of-20 passing for 239 yards and rushed nine times for 162 yards, responsible for more than 70% of Auburn’s total offense.

DEUCE GETS LOOSE — EARLY AND OFTEN

Knight wasted no time making history. On the first play of the game, with his receivers covered, the freshman tucked the ball and sprinted 75 yards down the right sideline for a breathtaking touchdown that ignited the home crowd.

“That was unbelievable,” Durkin said. “A great way to start the game and his career.”

Mercer — a respected FCS program and the only private NCAA Division I institution in Georgia — responded immediately with two long touchdown drives, showcasing why their offense ranks among the best at the FCS level. The Bears, who transitioned to scholarship FCS football in 2014 after competing in the Pioneer League, proved early they were no pushover.

And yes — Mercer still put 17 points on Auburn, demonstrating the offensive quality typical of top-tier FCS programs.

KNIGHT’S DOMINANCE TAKES OVER

Down 14–7, Knight answered with his second rushing touchdown — a 51-yard sprint — again turning the right sideline into his personal runway. His third rushing TD, a 9-yard designed run, gave Auburn a 21–14 lead.

Following a Mercer field goal, Knight capped a remarkable first half with his fourth rushing score, a 20-yarder with 1:15 left. Moments later, after Kaleb Harris’ first career interception set up Auburn at the Mercer 33, Knight delivered his first career passing touchdown, a strike to Cam Coleman with just six seconds remaining.

Auburn entered halftime up 35–17 — and the rout was officially on.

DEFENSE SLAMS THE DOOR IN THE SECOND HALF

Auburn’s defense flipped the switch after the break. On the first Mercer possession of the third quarter, Elijah Melendez jumped a route and returned an interception 41 yards for a pick-six, extending the lead to 42–17.

Moments later, pinned at their own 9-yard line, the Tigers struck again — in one play. Knight lofted a deep ball to Malcolm Simmons, who blew past a defender for a 91-yard touchdown, the longest Auburn play of the season.

Alex McPherson drilled field goals from 47 and 49 yards, pushing his streak to 12 consecutive makes.

Jackson Arnold capped Auburn’s scoring with a 56-yard quarterback keeper, giving Auburn five QB rushing touchdowns on the day.

Defensively, Robert Woodyard led the Tigers with eight tackles, and Chris Murray recorded two sacks, including a strip sack that set up McPherson’s late field goal. Amaris Williams, Keyron Crawford, JJ Faulk, and Coleman Granberry each added tackles for loss.

MERCER: A QUALITY OPPONENT IN FCS FOOTBALL

• Mercer, though an FCS team, is far from an ordinary small-school opponent. Key facts:
• Mercer is the only private university in Georgia competing at the NCAA Division I level.
• In 2013, the Bears competed as a non-scholarship FCS program in the Pioneer Football League.
• In 2014, Mercer transitioned to the scholarship-based Southern Conference (SoCon).
• FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) is officially Division I football, but a separate subdivision from the Power Five’s FBS.
• While FBS schools operate with higher budgets and larger rosters, FCS powers are competitive, especially offensively, and Mercer proved it by putting 17 points on Auburn.

Auburn stays home next Saturday to host No. 10 Alabama in a primetime Iron Bowl showdown at Jordan-Hare Stadium (6:30 p.m. CT). With Knight emerging as Auburn’s most dynamic offensive weapon, the Tigers enter rivalry week with new energy — and new possibilities.

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-- By Masakela P. Rawls

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