Auburn closes its 2025 season next Saturday with a visit from archrival Alabama, and with a win, the Tigers likely spoil the No. 10 Crimson Tide's College Football Playoff chances. It's a big game for DJ Durkin in his interview to become the full-time head coach, and it could mean the difference between playing in a bowl and sitting at home for the second-straight bowl season.
But the Tigers better not sleep on this week's opponent in Mercer. The Bears aren't the overwhelmed opponent that you would expect from an FCS team, standing 9-1 after clinching the Southern Conference championship last week for the second straight season.
Durkin knows precisely what his team has waiting for them in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.
"When you look at their performance on both sides of the ball, they’re first nationally in total offense and second in pass offense and fourth in scoring," Auburn's interim head coach said. "They’re putting up a lot of points, throwing the ball down the field. They have an extremely talented freshman quarterback that’s doing a really good job. He knows where to go with the ball. And, like I said, it’s a lot of vertical routes and passes down the field. Their receivers go get it, they do a really good job."
Auburn's defense is coming off its work performance of the season, allowing 544 yards and 45 points to Vanderbilt in an overtime loss. And, with the news that Jackson Arnold will start at quarterback instead of Ashton Daniels, the Auburn offense might struggle.
Still, with the Iron Bowl looming and after a bye week in preparation for Mercer, Durkin expects his team to be focused clearly on the Bears.
“It’s critically important, but I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for them because that’s what we’re doing; that’s where our focus is," he said. "I was told about the time of the (Alabama) game as I was walking down here, but I know there’s a game at 1:00 this weekend. That’s what we’re prepared for, and our guys know that and understand that. We’ve been game planning and preparing for this game, and that is where our focus is. We understand what’s coming down the road, but it has nothing to do with this weekend.”