Deuce Knight's Historic Debut Leads Auburn to 62-17 Win Over Mercer Ahead of Iron Bowl

When Deuce Knight took the snap at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, November 22, 2025, no one expected him to rewrite Auburn’s record books — but that’s exactly what happened. The freshman quarterback, thrust into the spotlight after senior starter Ashton Daniels opted out to preserve eligibility, delivered a performance for the ages: 401 total yards, six touchdowns, and four rushing scores — the first time an Auburn QB had done that since Cam Newton in 2010. The Tigers crushed the Mercer Bears 62-17, turning a tune-up game into a coming-out party that could reshape their season — and maybe even their future.

A Freshman’s Moment

It wasn’t supposed to be this dramatic. Interim head coach DJ Durkin announced Knight’s start on Thursday, November 21, 2025, just two days before kickoff, after Daniels chose to sit out ahead of the Iron Bowl. Knight, a little-known recruit from an undisclosed hometown, had spent the season backing up Jackson Arnold and watching from the sideline. But in practice, he’d been turning heads — quick feet, sharp reads, a fearless attitude. Durkin didn’t hesitate. "He’s earned it," he said. And on Saturday, Knight didn’t just earn it — he owned it.

On his first carry, he broke left, slipped a tackle, and sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown. By halftime, he’d added three more rushing scores and a 10-yard strike to Cam Coleman. His 162 rushing yards weren’t just impressive — they were historic. Only three other Auburn QBs had ever rushed for 100+ yards in a debut: Phil Gargis in 1974, Cam Newton in 2010, and now, Knight. And unlike Newton, who was a dual-threat phenom in his second year, Knight was a true freshman. No pressure. No expectations. Just pure, unfiltered execution.

Defense Steals the Spotlight Too

Auburn’s offense got the headlines, but the defense — depleted and desperate — delivered the knockout punch. With linebacker Demarcus Riddick out for the season and defensive end Keldric Faulk injured on the first play, the Tigers’ front seven had to adapt on the fly. Enter Elijah Melendez. With Mercer leading 14-7 late in the first quarter, Melendez read a slant route, jumped the pass, and returned it 41 yards for a pick-six. The stadium erupted. The Bears never recovered.

Chris Murray led the charge with two sacks, while Amaris Williams, Keyron Crawford, JJ Faulk, and Coleman Granberry all harassed Braden Atkinson into two interceptions and a shaky 210-yard performance. Robert Woodyard, playing with a quiet intensity, led the team with eight total tackles. For a unit that had given up 30+ points in four of its last five games, this was a statement. "We didn’t have our full roster," Durkin said after the game. "But we had heart. And that’s what carried us."

Mercer’s Quiet Triumph

Don’t let the score fool you — Mercer wasn’t just a warm-up opponent. The Bears entered the game 9-2, having won nine straight and clinched the Southern Conference title. Their quarterback, Atkinson, had thrown for 2,100 yards this season. Their receiver, Adjatay Dabbs, made a breathtaking 8-yard touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone to give Mercer a 14-7 lead. They were disciplined. They were dangerous. And they were ready for a fight.

But Auburn’s depth, speed, and sheer will overwhelmed them. Mercer controlled the clock for nearly 38 minutes — more than half the game — but couldn’t convert it into points. They had 19 first downs, but only one touchdown after the first quarter. Their offensive line, usually one of the FCS’s best, was constantly disrupted. "We knew it was going to be tough," said Mercer head coach Brian Niedermeyer afterward. "But we didn’t expect this kind of storm."

What This Means for Auburn

The win made Auburn bowl-eligible at 5-6. That’s not a great record. But it’s a lifeline. And now, with Knight’s emergence, the Tigers have something they haven’t had all season: momentum. They’ll face No. 10 Alabama in the Iron Bowl on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. If they win, they finish the season at 6-6 — a winning record, a bowl berth, and a massive boost for the program’s future.

Durkin confirmed both Knight and Arnold will play in the Iron Bowl. "They’re both going to play well," he said. "We have a clean plan." That’s not typical. Most coaches pick one guy. But here, they’re betting on both. Knight brings explosiveness. Arnold brings poise. Together, they could be the perfect storm against Alabama’s defense — which has allowed an average of 24 points per game this season.

The Bigger Picture

This wasn’t just a game. It was a turning point. For Knight, it’s the start of something big. For Auburn, it’s proof they can compete even in chaos. And for Durkin, it’s validation. He took over after Hugh Freeze’s abrupt departure, with little time to install his system. Yet here he is, guiding a freshman to a record-setting performance and keeping the season alive.

There’s still a long way to go. Alabama is a powerhouse. The Tigers are a team in transition. But on a cold November night in Auburn, something shifted. A freshman ran wild. A defense rose up. And a program, on the brink of irrelevance, remembered what it feels like to win big.