Coming off a bye week and with the Iron Bowl looming next week, it would be easy for Auburn to overlook an FCS team like Mercer. But that can't be the case, as the Bears bring in a team that can capitalize on a lackluster performance by the Tigers.
The key will be stopping Mercer's passing game, as Bears quarterback Braden Atkinson leads the FCS with 359.78 passing yards per game. And, the big news is that true freshman Deuce Knight will get the start behind center for the Tigers as Ashton Daniels sits out to preserve his redshirt.
Here is how our team thinks the game will play out in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.
GAME PREDICTIONS, SCORES
Mary Kate Hughes
Deuce Knight will get his first start on the Plains, and I think he will be impressive, but everyone will need to remember that he is a true freshman getting his first start. The Tigers have shown their willingness to rally around interim head coach Durkin, and the size/talent of Auburn will be enough to secure the win. However, Mercer is a good FCS team and won't go down easily. Hopefully, the Tigers will get a momentum and confidence boost heading into the Iron Bowl.
Auburn 41, Mercer 13
Patrick Burke
The story going into the Saturday afternoon showdown with Mercer will be different, but unfortunately familiar for Auburn fans. Auburn will be with a new quarterback on Saturday as the coaching staff has made the decision to go with freshman 5-star Deuce Knight. Being a former 5-star and the first start in his college career, expect Auburn's offense to try and utilize not only his arm talent but also his connection with Auburn's loaded wide receiver core. Mercer comes into this game averaging 41 points per game, along with 417 total yards per game. The Auburn pass rush and secondary will play a huge part in Saturday's matchup, as Mercer quarterback Braden Atkinson has thrown for over 300 yards in all but one game this year for the Bears. Durkin being at the helm will do wonders for this Auburn defense this week, and a jolt of life on the offensive side of the ball against Vanderbilt showed promise for the Tigers.
Auburn 42, Mercer 17
Jack Cottrell
The game against Vanderbilt proved that Auburn under DJ Durkin is far scarier than Auburn under Hugh Freeze. The Tigers nearly upset the Commodores and, at moments, Auburn looked like an offensive wagon. Mercer has appeared strong so far in 2025, but the Bears’ size and overall talent will limit their options against the Tigers’ superior roster. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how Deuce Knight competes under the stadium lights of Jordan-Hare.
Auburn 35, Mercer 14
Brian Stultz
Well, Auburn fans got their wish as we will see what Deuce Knight can do in his first college start. It comes against a Mercer defense that can be picked on in the passing game, but it will be critical that Derrick Nix helps get the prized freshman into a rhythm with some short throws early. If not, the Bears will stack the box and tempt the Tigers to throw even more.
It won't work, as the talent disparity is too much between the two teams, but don't expect Auburn to be taking it easy at halftime. The Bears are a talented team coming in with nothing to lose. The Tigers pull away in the second half, and DJ Durkin and staff start focusing on the Crimson Tide.
Auburn 38, Mercer 17