Auburn fans, it’s almost time to crank up the volume in Jordan-Hare again, and the Tigers get a perfect appetizer before the main course of Thanksgiving weekend. Mercer rolls into town this week, and while we’ll give them their polite visitor’s respect, this matchup is really about Auburn sharpening the claws and tuning the engines before the Iron Bowl.
All Eyes on Deuce Knight
Let’s be honest — the buzz around campus isn’t about the opponent. It’s about our quarterback situation, and all eyes are locked on Deuce Knight, the young talent making his first start on the Plains.
Sure, he’s still learning the system and figuring out what it’s like to command an SEC offense, but you can feel it: the electricity, the swagger, the arm talent that looks straight out of a video game. This Mercer game is exactly what he needs — a chance to get in rhythm, get hit a couple times, sling it around, build confidence, and show flashes of why everyone in orange and blue is talking about the future with a grin.
Look for Auburn to keep things simple early, but don’t be surprised if Knight uncorks a deep ball or two just to remind the West that Auburn isn’t coming quietly this year.
Auburn’s Chance to Flex
Offensively, the Tigers should control the line of scrimmage from the opening whistle. This is a great game to get the running back rotation humming, tighten up the timing in the passing game, and let the offensive line continue to settle in.
Defensively, Auburn gets a test in discipline more than difficulty. The goal here is to stay sharp, tackle cleanly, and avoid giving up the kind of sloppy plays that Alabama feeds on. Expect the front seven to feast and the secondary to get some takeaway opportunities.
The Warm-Up Before The One That Matters
Let’s not pretend: everyone knows what’s waiting after this. This game is the final lap before the Tigers head into the Iron Bowl — and the best way to walk into that showdown is with momentum, confidence, and a little bit of swagger.
Mercer is the tune-up. Alabama is the test.
And if Deuce Knight gets rolling? If the offense clicks? If the defense tightens the screws?
Well… November might get really fun on the Plains.
If you’re wondering… yes ChatGPT wrote that. I gave it a few guidelines and it wrote something better than you’ve ever read here. Not really, but dang.
This is me, though. We’ll see Deuce do some things. He’ll have a bad drive, but the rest will be fine. Jackson Arnold will play after the 1st drive of the 3rd quarter. The defense will need to lock the Bears down, but the offense will have no problem. It will be a fun, easy day.
Auburn 45, Mercer 14
