Blogle here. Letting Todd write another one of these. His first after an Auburn win. It almost feels weird.
What a day for Auburn against an inferior opponent. Nonetheless, the tigers were nearly flawless and showed proof of concept with freshman QB Deuce Knight while Ashton Daniels sat out to preserve his red shirt.
Offense: A
Freshman quarterback Deuce Knight looked as advertised in his first collegiate start. He was 15 of 20 passing for 239 yards and 2 TDs, 0 interceptions and on the ground 9 rushes for 162 yards and 4 TDs. Deuce became the first QB to rush for 4 TDs since.. yup Cam Newton.
The offense was explosive. One the first play from scrimmage a 75 yard touchdown run from Deuce Knight. A 51 yard touchdown run by who other than Deuce. Capping off the first half, another touchdown run of 20 yards from Deuce. In the third quarter, 91 yard touchdown pass from Deuce to Simmons. Simmons caught 5 passes for 149 yards. Cam Coleman had 65 yards and one TD catch that was truly remarkable. He was a way of contorting his body to make plays that are rare among P4 wide receivers. Finally in the 4th quarter Jackson Arnold ripped off a 56 yard touchdown run.
The running backs weren’t featured as much as many anticipated but I’d chalk that up to saving their legs for next week’s Iron Bowl.
Defense: A
The defense for Auburn delivered when needed. Kaleb Harris had an interception in the 2nd quarter. A pick-six by freshman linebacker/safety (Elijah Melendez) returned for a touchdown that swung momentum. Chris Murray recorded 2 sacks (one strip sack recovered by Jay Hardy). DJ Hicks also recorded a sack.
Mercer managed some early success, but thereafter the Tigers defense shut things down limiting big plays, forcing turnovers and never letting Mercer regain footing.
Special Teams: A
While less flashy, Auburn’s special teams were solid. Kicker Alex McPherson nailed two long field goals (47 yd & 49 yd) in the fourth quarter, extending the lead.
Other Notes:
The Tigers celebrated senior day by honoring 20 players. The most wholesome moment came when Brian Battie, who was severely injured in the tragic shooting that took the life of his brother walked out on the field and greeted Coach Durkin.
Demarcus Riddick did not play due to a season ending injury. Kendrick Faulk left the game early with an apparent injury but it seemed “precautionary”.
Auburn now looks to end Alabama’s season and become bowl eligible with a win in the anticipated Iron Bowl next week.
