AUBURN, Ala. – Deuce got loose and stayed loose.
In an epic first start, freshman quarterback Deuce Knight rushed for four touchdowns and passed for two more to lead Auburn to a 62-17 victory over Mercer Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
On the game’s first play, Knight worked through his progressions and when his receivers were covered, he took off to his right, turned upfield and raced 75 yards down the sideline for a touchdown.
Bound for the FCS playoffs, Mercer showcased its high-powered offense with long touchdown drives on its first two possessions to take a 14-7 late in the first quarter.
Knight tied the game with his second rushing touchdown, a 51-yarder where he again sprinted down the right sideline when he did not have an open receiver.
Knight gave Auburn a 21-14 lead midway through the second quarter with a 9-yard designed run, needing only a quarter and a half to produce a hat trick.
After Mercer kicked a field goal, Knight scored his fourth touchdown on another designed run, a 20-yarder with 1:15 remaining in the first half.
Kaleb Harris’ first career interception and 16-yard return gave Auburn possession at Mercer’s 33-yard line with 28 seconds left.
Three short completions advanced the ball to the 10-yard with six seconds left, enough time for Knight to throw his first career touchdown pass, to Cam Coleman.
Leading 35-17 at the half, Auburn added to its lead on the first possession of the third quarter when Elijah Melendez returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown to go ahead 42-17.
After a Mercer punt pinned Auburn at its 9-yard line, the Tigers scored in one play again when Knight threw deep to Malcolm Simmons, who got past a defender, then outraced him to the goal line for a 91-yard touchdown and a 49-17 Auburn lead midway through the third quarter.
Alex McPherson’s 11th consecutive field goal, a 47-yarder, put Auburn on top 52-17 early in the fourth quarter.
After Jay Hardy recovered Chris Murray’s strip sack, McPherson made his 12th consecutive field goal attempt, a 49-yarder.
Jackson Arnold joined the party with a 56-yard rushing touchdown, Auburn’s fifth quarterback scoring run of the game.
Robert Woodyard led Auburn with eight tackles. Murray recorded two sacks while Amaris Williams, Keyron Crawford, JJ Faulk and Coleman Granberry each added tackles for loss.
Auburn (5-6, 1-6) remains at Jordan-Hare Stadium next Saturday to host No. 10 Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer