Auburn Beats Mercer 62-17 on Knight's 6-TD Debut

Auburn, Ala. Freshman quarterback Deuce Knight threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 162 yards and four scores in his first career start, powering Auburn to a 62-17 victory over Mercer on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Knight's performance tied a school record with six total touchdowns, marking the first time an Auburn quarterback had run for four scores since Cam Newton in 2010. He completed 15 of 20 passes, connecting with Malcolm Simmons for five receptions totaling 149 yards, including a 91-yard touchdown. Cam Coleman added 65 receiving yards and a score. Backup Jackson Arnold split time in the second half and capped a drive with a 56-yard rushing touchdown.

The win snapped Mercer's nine-game winning streak and improved Auburn's record to 5-6, positioning the Tigers one victory from bowl eligibility. Mercer, which entered averaging 41 points per game and leading the FCS in offensive explosiveness, finished with 338 total yards but managed just three points after halftime.

Auburn's defense, which allowed 151 yards and five third-down conversions in the first quarter, trailed 14-7 early before forcing adjustments. Interim coach D.J. Durkin described a tense...