### Deuce Knight's Historic Debut: A New Era for Auburn Football In a remarkable display of talent, true freshman quarterback Deuce Knight made history during his first career start for the Auburn Tigers. Knight's performance not only led Auburn to a decisive 62-17 victory over Mercer but also marked him as a standout player in the program's history. He became the first Auburn quarterback since Cam Newton to rush for four touchdowns in a single game, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and setting the stage for a promising future with the team. This game was crucial for Auburn, as they aimed to secure bowl eligibility with a win, improving their record to 5-6 ahead of the Iron Bowl against Alabama next week [https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/auburn-qb-deuce-knight-makes-history-first-career-start][https://apnews.com/article/mercer-auburn-score-e4f5c38bc82c907b8159990b5f7dcb06]. ### Breakdown of Deuce Knight's Performance and Context 1. **Historic Achievement**: - Knight accounted for **six total touchdowns** (four rushing, two passing) and **401 total yards** (239 passing, 162 rushing) in his debut [https://apnews.com/article/mercer-auburn-score-e4f5c38bc82c907b8159990b5f7dcb06][https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/deuce_knights_dynamic_starting_debut_lifts_auburn_over_mercer/s1_17047_43107011]. 2. **Game Context**: - Auburn's decision to start Knight was strategic, as they aimed to preserve the redshirt status of Ashton Daniels, who had played in three games this season [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/auburn_interim_dj_durkin_details_decision_to_start_deuce_knight_over_jackson_arnold/s1_16992_43101385]. - Interim head coach D.J. Durkin expressed confidence in Knight's abilities, stating he had "earned" the starting position [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/auburn_interim_dj_durkin_details_decision_to_start_deuce_knight_over_jackson_arnold/s1_16992_43101385]. 3. **Statistical Highlights**: - Knight's rushing touchdowns included a **75-yard** run on the first play and a **51-yard** run late in the first quarter [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/deuce_knights_dynamic_starting_debut_lifts_auburn_over_mercer/s1_17047_43107011]. - He completed **15 of 20 passes** and threw a **91-yard touchdown** pass, demonstrating both his accuracy and arm strength [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/deuce_knights_dynamic_starting_debut_lifts_auburn_over_mercer/s1_17047_43107011]. ### Summary of Findings **Deuce Knight's debut as Auburn's starting quarterback was nothing short of historic**, showcasing his potential as a dual-threat player. His performance not only led to a significant victory but also positioned him as a key player for the future of Auburn football. 1. **Historic Performance**: Knight's six touchdowns and 401 total yards set a new standard for Auburn quarterbacks in their first starts. 2. **Strategic Decision**: The choice to start Knight over more experienced players was a calculated move to preserve eligibility while evaluating future talent. 3. **Future Implications**: With Auburn's record now at 5-6, Knight's performance could be pivotal in their upcoming games, particularly the Iron Bowl against Alabama. In conclusion, **Deuce Knight's first start has opened a new chapter for Auburn football**, potentially signaling the beginning of a new era under his leadership [https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/auburn-qb-deuce-knight-makes-history-first-career-start][https://apnews.com/article/mercer-auburn-score-e4f5c38bc82c907b8159990b5f7dcb06].